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MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS. 






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POOL OF SIT.OAM. 



PHILADELPHIA 



J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. fcf 

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BIBLE GEMS 



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MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS. 



SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BUT EQUALLY ADAPTED TO 
SUNDAY-SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. 



BY 



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R. E. KREMER. 




PHILADELPHIA 
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 

1870. 



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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by 

J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern 
District of Pennsylvania. 



Lippincott's Press, 

PHILADELPHIA. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Preface 5 

The Ten Commandments 7 

The Lord's Prayer 8 



OLD TESTAMENT. 

Introductory Lesson 9 

Genesis 11 

Exodus. 33 

Leviticus 52 

Numbers 54 

Deuteronomy 65 

Joshua 66 

Judges 70 

Ruth 75 

First Samuel 77 

Second Samuel 85 

First Kings 90 

Second Kings 102 

Ezra 122 

Nehemiah 126 

Job 138 

Psalms 145 

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon 146 

Isaiah and Jeremiah 147 

Lamentations and Ezekiel 150 

3 



4 CONTENTS. 



PAGE 



Daniel 151 

Hosea and Joel 163 

Amos and Obadiah 164 

Jonah 166 

Micah, Nahum, Habbakkuk and Zephaniah 169 

Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi 170 

NEW TESTAMENT. 

The Gospels 173 

Acts 247 

Romans, and First and Second Corinthians 300 

Galatians and Ephesians.-. 302 

First and Second Thessalonians, and First Timothy 304 

Second Timothy, Titus and Philemon 306 

Hebrews 307 

James, First and Second Peter 308 

First, Second and Third John, and Jude 310 

Revelation 311 

The Bible , 314 




PREFACE. 



This Manual originated in a deeply-felt want of more 
of the Bible in our Public Schools. Portions of it were 
used in the school-room in manuscript, arranged in con- 
venient lessons and committed to memory by the pupils. 
The hearty interest taken in this Bible exercise by the 
scholars, as well as the labor of preparing and copying 
successive lessons, suggested the idea of preparing for 
the press a small Manual for the Public Schools. On 
submitting that portion of the work already prepared to 
several clergymen and other literary gentlemen; the 
author was encouraged to complete it for publication. 
Thus encouraged, the work was resumed, and after two 
years brought to completion. 

The author cherishes the hope that an increased inter- 
est in the Bible may be awakened by introducing into 
the day-schools, and also into Sunday-schools and fam- 
ilies, this series of questions and answers, embracing, as 
they do, a summary of the leading truths and events of 

the Sacred Writings. 

l* 5 



6 PREFACE. 

Being purely biblical, and free from all sectarian bias, 
this book is equally adapted to all Christian denomina- 
tions. 

That a want so generally felt by the Christian public 
may be met, at least in some degree, by the publication 
of this book, is the earnest wish of 

The Author. 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 



God spake all these words, saying : 
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out 
of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 

I. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 

II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, 
or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or 
that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under 
the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, 
nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous 
God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the chil- 
dren, unto the third and fourth generation of them that 
hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that 
love me and keep my commandments. 

III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy 
God in vain ; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless 
that taketh his name in vain. 

IV. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six 
days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the sev- 
enth day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it thou 
shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daugh- 
ter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy 
cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates ; for in 
six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and 
all that in them is, and rested the seventh day i where- 
fore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. 

r 



8 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 

V. Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days 
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God 
giveth thee. 

VI. Thou shalt not kill. 

VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

VIII. Thou shalt not steal. 

IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy 
neighbor. 

X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house; thou 
shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, 
nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any- 
thing that is thy neighbor's. 



Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, 
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is 
the first and great commandment. 

And the second is like unto it : Thou shalt love thy 
neighbor as thyself. 

On these two commandments hang all the Law and the 
Prophets. 



THE LORD'S PRAYER. 



Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in 
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive 
us our debts as we forgive our debtors ; and lead us not 
into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the 
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 






Bible Gems 



INTRODUCTORY LESSON. 

1. What is the Bible? 
The word of God. 

2. Why is it called the word of God ? 

Because in it God reveals himself, his works and his 
will. 

3. What other name is sometimes applied to the Bible ? 
The Holy Scriptures. 

4. How were men enabled to write the Holy Scriptures? 
They were inspired by God. 

5. What are the two general divisions of the Bible? 
The Old and the New Testament. 

6. In what language were most of the books of the Old Testa- 
ment at first written? 

In the Hebrew. 

7. How many books does the Old Testament contain? 
Thirty-nine. 

8. What are the first five books sometimes called? 
The Pentateuch, or the five books of Moses. 

9. What was the original language of the New Testament? 
It was written mostly, if not wholly, in Greek. 

10. When was the Old Testament translated into Greek? 
About three hundred years before Christ. 

9 



10 BIBLE GEMS. 



11. Into what language was the Bible translated soon after the 
apostolic writings were published? 

Into Latin, for the benefit of Christians using that 
language. 

12. In what language, and where, was the Bible first printed? 
In Latin, at Mentz, in Germany. 

13. In what year ? 
About the year 1455. 

14. Where, and in what year, was the first complete English 
Bible published? 

In England, in the year 1611. 

15. Who proposed this translation of the Bible? 
Dr. John Keynolds of Oxford. 

16. Who favored his suggestion? 

King James I., who appointed fifty-four competent 
men for the service. 

17. How long were they occupied in the work? 
Nearly four years. 

18. In what language was the first Bible printed in America? 
In the native Indian. 

19. By whom? 

By Rev. John Eliot. 

20. In what year ? 

The New Testament in 1661, and the Old in 1663. 

21. Where were they published ? 
At Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

22. In what language was the second Bible published in America? 
In the German. 

23. What is known of this Bible? 

It was published at Germantown, near Philadelphia, 
by Christopher Sower, in 1676. 

24. What is known of the first English American Bible? 

It was printed by Knecland & Green, at Boston, in 
1752. 



PART FIRST. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



GENESIS. 

LESSON I. 

1. Name the first book of the Old Testament. 
Genesis. 

2. What is the meaning of the word genesis ? 

It is a Greek word, and signifies origin or generation. 

3. Into how many parts may this book be divided ? 
Into four. 

4. Of what does the first part give an account ? 
Of the creation. 

5. Where do we read the story of the creation ? 
In the first chapter of Genesis. 

6. Will you repeat the first verse ? 

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the 
earth." 

7. How long is it since the creation ? 
About six thousand years. 

8. In how many days was the work of creation accomplished ? 
In six days. 

9. Who were the first human beings that God made ? 
Adam and Eve. 

10. On what day was man formed ? 
On the sixth day. 

11 



12 BIBLE GEMS. 






11. In whose image was he made? 
In the image of God. 

12. Where were Adam and Eve placed ? 
In the garden of Eden. 

13. Near what river was this garden ? 
The Euphrates. 

14. In what country is the Euphrates ? 
In Turkey, a country in Asia. 

15. What is meant by the name Eden ? 
It signifies delight and pleasure. 

16. What other name is sometimes applied to Eden ? 
Paradise. 

17. What account have we of the garden of Eden ? 

It was a pleasant garden, in which the Lord made to 
grow beautiful trees bearing fruit. 

18. What trees were in the midst of the garden ? 

The tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and 
evil. 

19. Of which tree were Adam and Eve commanded not to eat ? 
Of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 

20. How did God threaten to punish them if they would dis- 
obey? 

He said they should surely die. 



LESSON II. 

1. What is included in the second part of this book ? 

The fall of man and the history of the world until the 
flood. 

2. What caused the fall of our first parents ? 
They ate of the forbidden fruit. 

3. Who tempted them to eat ? 
Satan. 



GENESIS. 13 

4. In what form was Satan ? 
In the form of a serpent. 

5. How did Satan contradict God ? 

He said, " Ye shall not surely die." 

6. What was the consequence of the disobedience of our first 
parents ? 

They lost the image of God and became mortal. 

7. What earthly enjoyment did they lose by their trangression ? 
The Lord drove them out of Paradise. 

8. How did he guard the way of the tree of life ? 

He placed at the east of the garden cherubim and a 
flaming sword. 

9. Who were the first sons of Adam and Eve ? 
Cain and Abel. 

10. What were their occupations ? 

Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of 
the ground. 

11. What were their characters? 

Abel was righteous, but Cain was wicked. 

12. What offerings did they bring to the Lord ? 

Cain brought of the fruit of the ground and Abel of 
the firstlings of his flock. 

13. What wicked act did Cain commit ? 
He slew his brother Abel. 

14. What moved him to this crime ? 
He was moved by envy. 

15. Why was he envious ? 

Because his brother's offering was accepted by God, 
while his was refused. 

16. What punishment did the Lord pronounce against Cain ? 
He said the ground should not yield to him her 

strength, and he should be a fugitive and a vagabond in 
the earth. 

17. What did Cain exclaim to the Lord ? 

" My punishment is greater than I can bear." 

2 



14 BIBLE GEMS. 

18. What became of Cain ? 

He left his home and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the 
east of Eden. 

19. What further account is given of Cain ? 

We have an account of his descendants, and of a city 
which he built. 

20. What did he call this city ? 
Enoch, after the name of his son, 

21. How old was Adam when he died? 
Nine hundred and thirty years. 

22. Can you name one of Adam's posterity who was remarkable 
for his holiness ? 

Enoch. 

23. How was he distinguished from Enoch, the son of Cain ? 
He was the seventh from Adam. 

24. What is said of Enoch ? 

He walked with God, and was translated to heaven 
without death. 



LESSON III. 

1. What may be observed of the length of life of the ancients ? 
That they lived to a great age. 

2. Which of them lived to the greatest age ? 
Methuselah. 

3. How old was he when he died ? 
Nine hundred and sixty-nine years. 

4. What was the character of the people before the death of 
Methuselah ? 

They were very wicked. 

5. How did God determine to punish them? 
By a great flood. 

6. Who alone were to be excepted ? 
Noah and his family. 



! 



GENESIS. 15 

7. What is said of Noah? 

He was a just man, and perfect, and walked with God. 

8. How did the Lord provide for his safety ? 

He commanded him to build an ark for himself and 
his family. 

9. How long was Noah in building the ark ? 
Probably a hundred and twenty years. 

10. Of what was the ark constructed ? 

It was built of gopher wood, and was coated on the 
inside and outside with pitch. 

11. What was its size ? 

The length was four hundred and fifty feet, and the 
height forty-five feet. 

12. How many persons composed Noah's family? 

Eight — Noah and his wife, his three sons and their 
wives. 

13. What were the names of Noah's sons ? 
Shem, Ham and Japheth. 

14. What number of other living creatures of the earth was 
Noah commanded to place in the ark ? 

So many as were necessary to preserve each kind. 

15. When did the flood occur ? 

Sixteen hundred and fifty-six years after the creation. 

16. What was Noah's age at this time ? 
Six hundred years. 

17. What is said of this mighty flood ? 

The rain descended from above, and the fountains of 
the deep were broken up. 

18. To what extent had the water risen at the end of forty days ? 
" All the high hills that were under the heaven were 

covered." 

19. How long were the waters upon the earth ? 
A hundred and fifty days. 



16 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON IV. 

1. What is embraced in the third part of this book? 
A general history of mankind after the flood. 

2. Where did the ark rest when the water had subsided ? 
On Mount Ararat. 

3. Where is this mount ? 

In the country of Armenia. 

4. How did Noah worship God when he came out of the ark ? 
He built an altar, and took of every clean beast and 

of every clean fowl, and offered burnt-offerings to the 
Lord. 

5. What was the Lord's promise when he had accepted Noah's 
offering ? 

He said, " While the earth remaineth, seed-time and 
harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and 
day and night shall not cease." 

6. How did he bless Noah and his sons ? 

He said, " Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the 
earth." 

7. What did he give into their hands ? 
All the things he had made. 

8. What covenant did the Lord establish with Noah and his 
sons and all his creatures ? 

That he never would destroy the earth again with a 
flood. 

9. What did he place in the sky as a sign of this promise ? 

A rainbow : he said, " I do set my bow in the cloud, 
and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and 
the earth." 

10. How long did Noah live after the flood? 
Three hundred and fifty years. 

11. How old was he when he died ? 
Nine hundred and fifty years. 



GENESIS. 17 

12. Where did the posterity of Noah dwell after his deatli ? 
In the country of Shinar, south of Mount Ararat. 

13. What did they resolve to build? 

A city, and a tower whose top might reach to heaven. 

14. What is said of the language of the earth at this time ? 
"The whole earth was of one language and of one 

speech." 

15. What materials did they use for the tower? 

Bricks dried in the sun, and slime or pitch for cement. 

16. What was their object in building this tower? 

To make for themselves a name and to bind them- 
selves together. 

17. How did God punish their presumption ? 

He confounded their language, so that they could not 
understand each other's speech. 

18. What name was given to this tower ? 
Babel, which means confusion. 

19. Why did it receive this name ? 

Because the tongues of the builders were confused. 



LESSON V. 



1. What is included in the fourth part of the book of Genesis ? 
A particular history of the patriarchs. 

2. Who were the patriarchs ? 

Eminent men of the Church who lived before the 
giving of the law from Sinai. 

3. Name some of the ancient patriarchs ? 
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

4. Who was Abraham ? 

The son of Terah, who was a descendant of Shem. 

5. What was Abraham's name at first? 
Abram, signifying a high father. 

2* B 



18 BIBLE GEMS. 

6. Where was Abram born ? 

In Ur of Chaldea, where he lived with Sarai his wife, 
in his father's house. 

7. How long did he live there ? 

Until God directed him to remove to the land of Ca- 
naan. 

8. What promise did God make to Abram concerning the land 
of Canaan ? 

To give it to him and his posterity as a heritage. 

9. Why did the Lord choose this land for his people ? 
Because of its beauty, fertility and its natural defences. 

10. In what words is Canaan described ? 

It was " a land flowing with milk and honey." 

11. Who accompanied Abram and his wife from Chaldea? 
Terah his father and Lot his nephew. 

12. Where is it said that Terah died? 

At Haran, where they had stopped on the way. 

13. In what words did the Lord pronounce special favor upon 
Abram ? 

" In thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed ;" 
signifying that from him should come the Messiah. 

14. Where did the Lord renew his promise to Abram concern- 
ing the land ? 

At Shechem, after he had departed with Lot from 

Haran. 

15. To what country did Abram and Lot remove for a time ? 
In consequence of a famine they were obliged to go to 

Egypt. 

16. How were they prospered while they were in Egypt? 
Abram was rich in cattle, in silver and in gold ; and 

Lot also had flocks and herds and tents. 

17. What is said of a difficulty among the herdmen after they 
had returned to Canaan ? 

There was strife between the herdmen of Abram and 
those of Lot. 



GENESIS. 19 

18. What was proposed by Abram ? 

Seeing that their property was too great for them to 
dwell together, he proposed a peaceful separation. 

19. What generous offer did he make to Lot? 

That he should have the choice of the land on the 
right or left. 

20. What was Lot's choice ? 

He took the region eastward — that part of the plain 
of Jordan in which Sodom and Gomorrah stood. 

21. To what place did Abram remove his tent? 

To the plain of Manire, in Hebron, where he built an 
altar unto the Lord. 



LESSON VI. 

1. What misfortune befell Lot when his country was invaded 
by some neighboring kings ? 

He and his family were carried captive with all their 
goods. 

2. How did Abram come to his relief? 

He armed his trained servants, and, being joined by 
the Amorites, pursued the invaders. 

3. What was their success? 

They soon returned with all the men and goods which 
had been taken. 

4. Who met him on his return and refreshed him with bread 
and wine ? 

Melchizedek, king of Salem, who was " the priest of 
the most high God." 

5. With what did Abram present Melchizedek ? 
He gave him* the tenth of all his spoils. 

6. What did he do with the rest of the spoil ? 

His partners having taken their portion, he returned 
the remainder to the kW of Sodom. 



20 BIBLE GEMS. 

7. What change was made in Abram's name ? 
The Lord changed it to Abraham. 

8. Why was it thus changed ? 
In token of a greater blessing. 

9. What is the meaning of the new name ? 
It signifies " a father of a great multitude." 

10. What was the covenant which God established with Abra- 
ham? 

To make of him a great nation, and to be a God unto 
him and his seed after him. 

11. What ordinance did he institute as a sign of this covenant? 
Circumcision. 

12. How was Sarai's name changed? 
The Lord changed it to Sarah. 

13. What is signified by Sarai? 
My princess. 

14. What by Sarah ? 

The princess, namely of multitudes. 

15. What blessing was promised to Sarah ? 

That she should have a son, who should be called 
Isaac. 

16. What did the Lord say of his covenant with Isaac ? 

" I will establish my covenant with him for an ever- 
lasting covenant, and with his seed after him." 

17. What is said of three strangers who at a certain time ap- 
proached Abraham ? 

As he sat in the door of his tent he beheld three men 
standing by him. 

18. How did he receive them ? 

He ran to meet them, and bowed himself before them. 

19. How did he entertain them ? 

He prepared for them an abundant meal, and stood by 
them under a tree while they ate. 

20. Whom did Abraham discover his guests to be? 
Three spiritual beings in human form. 



. 



GENESIS. 21 

21. What was their message to Abraham? 

They renewed the promise of a son by Sarah, and 
revealed to him God's purpose to destroy Sodom. 

22. Why did the Lord determine to destroy Sodom? 

On account of the great wickedness of the people. 

23. How did Abraham intercede for Sodom ? 

With a solemn prayer that the righteous among them 
might be spared. 

24. For whose safety had he no doubt special concern ? 
For the safety of Lot, his nephew. 



LESSON VII. 

1. What is said of angels having come to Sodom ? 

As Lot sat in the city gate, at evening, there appeared 
two angels before him. 

2. How did Lot show them reverence ? 

He rose to meet them, and bowed himself with his 
face toward the ground. 

3. Who is it supposed these angels were ? 

Two of the three that had just been with Abraham. 

4. What was their mission ? 

They were sent to execute God's purpose concerning 
the city. 

5. When Lot had persuaded them to enter into his house, how 
did. he entertain them ? 

He prepared a feast and baked unleavened bread for 
them. 

6. How were they disturbed before taking their rest? 

The men of Sodom compassed the house and called 
upon Lot to deliver up the two strangers. 

7. What was their treatment of Lot when he had kindly en- 
treated them not to act so wickedly ? 

They threatened to lay hands on him and to break the 
door. 



22 BIBLE GEMS. 

8. How was Lot rescued from them ? 

The angels drew him into the house and shut the door. 

9. How were those without punished ? 

The angels smote them with blindness, so that they 
could not find the door. 

10.* What warning did Lot receive from the angels that night? 

That he should remove from Sodom his family and all 
that he had, as the Lord had sent them to destroy the city. 

11. How did the angels hasten them away the next morning? 
They led them by the hand and brought them out of 

the city. 

12. In what words did they urge Lot to continue his flight ? 

" Escape for thy life ; look not behind thee, neither 
stay thou in all the plain." 

13. How were the cities of the plain destroyed ? 

• The Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone 
and fire from heaven. 

14. What is said of Lot's wife ? 

" But his wife looked back from behind him, and she 
became a pillar of salt." 

15. What did Abraham behold when early in the morning he 
looked toward Sodom? 

He saw the smoke of the country rising up as the 
smoke of a furnace. 

16. To what place did Abraham now remove? 
To the country of the Philistines. 

17. How long had he lived in Mamre ? 
Nearly twenty years. 

18. How old was Abraham when Isaac was born ? 
One hundred years. 

19. What were the descendants of Abraham generally called ? 
Hebrews. 

20. Why is Abraham called the father of the faithful ? 

On account of his remarkable trust in God, and be- 
cause his pious offspring had the same faith ? 



GENESIS. 23 



LESSON VIII. 

1. What evidence have we of Abraham's remarkable faith ? 
He was willing to offer up his son in obedience to the 

command of God. 

2. To what place was he commanded to take his son for sacrifice ? 
To Mount Moriah. 

3. What was the distance to this mpunt ? 

A three days' journey — about forty miles. 

4. When he came to the place what preparation did he make 
for the sacrifice ? 

He built an altar, then bound Isaac and laid him 
upon it. 

5. What stayed his hand from slaying his son ? 

When the knife was raised for the purpose, he heard a 
voice from heaven calling to him. 

6. What did the voice say to him ? 

"Abraham, Abraham, lay not thy hand upon the lad." 

7. With what design did God command Abraham to sacrifice 
his son ? 

To try and confirm his faith, and to furnish an illus- 
trious example to the world. 

8. What account do we have of Isaacs birth ? 

He was a child of promise, given to Abraham and 
Sarah in their old age. 

9. What promise was made to Abraham concerning Isaac ? 
That he should be the ancestor of our Saviour. 

10. Who became Isaac's wife ? 

Eebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, who was of his 
own kindred. 

11. Who was Jacob ? 

The son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother 
of Esau. 



*24 



BIBLE GEMS. 



12. Plow was his name afterward changed ? 

He was called Israel, because he prevailed while wrest- 
ling with the angel of the Lord. 

13. What were his descendants generally called ? 
Israelites. 

14. How many sons had Jacob ? 

Twelve ; sometimes called the twelve patriarchs. 

15. Will you name them ? 

Eeuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, 
Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, Joseph and Benjamin. 

16. From which of the twelve patriarchs did our Saviour descend? 
From Judah. 



LESSON IX. 

1. Who was the favorite son of Jacob? 
Joseph. 

2. How did Jacob show his partiality for Joseph? 
He made him a coat of many colors. 

3. For what was Joseph distinguished ? 

For his wisdom, filial piety and virtue. 

4. Can you mention some of the events of Joseph's life ? 
When he was seventeen years old his brethren, from 

envy, sought to kill him. 

5. Which of them was not agreed to this ? 
Eeuben. 

6. What did Eeuben tell them to do? 

To cast him into a pit, hoping thereby to be able to 
restore him to his father. 

7. How was Reuben's proposal received ? 

They stripped Joseph of his coat of many colors and 
cast him into an empty pit. 

8. Who came as they sat down to eat bread ? 

A band of Ishmaelites, on their way to Egypt. 



GENESIS. 25 

9. What did Judah then propose ? 

To sell their brother to the Ishmaelites. 

10. How was the proposal of Judah received ? 

They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces 
of silver. 

11. How was Reuben affected when he returned to the pit and 
found that Joseph was not there ? 

He rent his clothes and said, " The child is not, and I, 
whither shall I go ?" 

12. What did they do with Joseph's coat ? 

They killed a kid, and dipped the coat in the blood 
and took it to their father. 

13. Why did they do so? 

That their father might think a wild beast had de- 
voured him. 

14. How was Jacob affected ? 

He mourned for Joseph many days. 

15. What did the Ishmaelites do with Joseph ? 

They took him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, the 
captain of the king's guard. 

16. How did Potiphar regard him ? 

Joseph so won his favor by his excellent conduct that 
he made him overseer in his house. 



LESSON X. 

1. What unfortunate event of Joseph's life is next recorded ? 
He was falsely accused of crime, and cast into prison. 

2. What was his condition while there ? 

God gave him favor in the sight of the keeper, and he 
was placed over the other prisoners. 

3. How did he show his wisdom while in prison ? 
He interpreted dreams. 



26 BIBLE GEMS. 

4. Whose dreams did he interpret ? 

Those of the king's chief butler and chief baker, who 
were his fellow-prisoners. 

5. What was the interpretation of their dreams ? 

That the chief butler should be restored to his butler- 
ship and the chief baker should be hanged. 

6. What favor did Joseph ask of the chief butler ? 

That he should make mention of him to Pharaoh and 
bring him out of the prison. 

7. After how long a time did the chief butler remember Joseph ? 
After two years. 

8. What caused him then to think of him ? 

King Pharaoh had dreams which the magicians and 
wise men of Egypt could not interpret. 

9. What did the chief butler say to Pharaoh ? 

" I do remember my faults this day ;" and he recom- 
mended Joseph to interpret the dreams. 

10. What did the king do ? 

He sent and had Joseph brought out of the prison, and 
made known to him his dreams. 

11. How did Joseph explain them? 

He said they were a prediction of seven years of great 
plenty and seven years of famine throughout all Egypt. 

12. What counsel did he give to Pharaoh ? 

To appoint officers over the land and to lay up food 
in the years of plenty for the years of famine. 

13. What did Pharaoh say of Joseph ? 

That he is a man " in whom the Spirit of God is." 

14. How did the king honor him ? 

He made him ruler over his house and over all his 
people. 

15. What marks of favor did he bestow upon him ? 

He put upon his hand his own ring, clothed him in 
fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. 



GENESIS. 27 



LESSON XI. 



1. Under what circumstances did Joseph again meet his 
brethren ? 

When the famine had come upon the land, Jacob sent 
his sons to purchase corn in Egypt. 

2. What can you say of the meeting of Joseph and his 
brethren ? 

Joseph knew his brethren, but was not known of 
them. 

3. Which of Joseph's brethren remained at home ? 
Benjamin, who was the youngest. 

4. How did Joseph treat his brethren ? 

He at first spoke to them roughly, and told them they 
were spies. 

5. What did his brethren answer him ? 

"Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one 
man in the land of Canaan ; and behold the youngest 
is this day with our father, and one is not." 

6. Where did Jacob live at this time ? 

In Hebron, a beautiful vale in Canaan. 

7. How did Joseph again try his brethren ? 

He requested them to send for their youngest brother ; 
and he put them in ward three days. 

8. What surety did he require of them? 

That they should leave one of their number bound. 

9. How did they express their remorse for their sin ? 

"They said one to another, We are verily guilty con- 
cerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his 
soul when he besought us, and we would not hear." 

10. What did Reuben answer them ? 

" Spake I not unto you saying, Do not sin against the 
child, and ye would not hear ? therefore, behold also his 
blood is required." 



28 BIBLE GEMS. 

11. Did Joseph understand them ? 

He did, though they knew it not, for he spoke to them 
through an interpreter. 

12. How was Joseph affected by their words? 

His heart was moved, and he turned aside to weep. 

13. Which of them was kept bound in the prison ? 
Simeon. 

14. How were the rest sent away ? 

With their sacks filled with corn, and every man's 
money restored into his sack, and with provisions for the 
way. 

15. What circumstance disturbed them on their journey ? 
They found their money in their sacks. 



LESSON XII. 

1. What did Jacob say when his sons told him all that had 
come to pass ? 

" Me have ye bereaved of my children ; Joseph is 
not and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away : 
all these things are against me." 

2. Who entreated Jacob to send Benjamin, and promised to be 
surety for him ? 

Judah. 

3. Did Jacob permit him to go with his brethren when he sent 
them a second time for corn ? 

He did, though he could hardly be persuaded. 

4. How did he send them ? 

With double money in their hands and a present for 
Joseph. 

5. How did Joseph receive them ? 

" He asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your 
father well, the old man of whom ye spake ? Is he yet 
alive?" 



GENESIS. 29 

6. What did he say when he saw Benjamin, his own mother's 
son? 

" God be gracious unto thee, my son." 

7. How was Joseph moved at the sight of his brother? 
He hastened to his chamber to weep. 

8. How did Joseph entertain his brethren ? 

He made a feast for them and sent them all messes 
from his own table? 

9. How did Benjamin's mess differ from the rest? 
His was five times as great. 

10. How did he send them away the second time ? 

He commanded again that their money should be re- 
stored into their sacks, and his silver cup put into Ben- 
jamin's sack. 

11. What was done after they had gone out of the city? 
Joseph sent his steward to pursue after them and arrest 

them for stealing the cup. 

12. What did the steward say to them? 

" Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good ? Is not 
this it in which my lord drinketh, and .whereby indeed 
he divineth ?" 

13. What did they answer him ? 

" Wherefore saith my lord these words ? God forbid 
that thy servants should do according to this thing." 

14. What punishment did they offer to submit to if they should 
be found guilty ? 

That the one with whom the cup might be found 
should die, and the rest be bondmen. 

15. What did the steward say? 

" He with whom it is found shall be my servant, and 
ye shall be blameless." 

16. What did they do when the cup was found in Benjamin's 
sack? 

They rent their clothes, and returned to the city and 
appeared before Joseph. 

3* 



30 BIBLE GEMS. 

17. Who made an earnest supplication in behalf of Benjamin ? 
Judah. 

18. What did he say of his father ? 

That he would die should Benjamin not return with 
them. 

19. How did he show his affection for Benjamin and for his 
father ? 

He offered himself to become a bondman instead of 
Benjamin. 



LESSON XIII. 

1. Wimt did Joseph do when he had heard the supplication of 
Judah ? 

He made himself known to his brethren. 

2. In what manner did he make himself known ? 

He sent every man out of his presence, except his 
brethren, and wept aloud. 

3. What did he say? 

" I am Joseph : doth my father yet live ?" 

4. What did his brethren say ? 

They could not answer him, for they were troubled at 
his presence. 

5. When he had called them near to him, what did he again say ? 
"I am Joseph, your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt." 

6. What did he say to comfort them ? 

" Be not grieved nor angry with yourselves that ye 
sold me hither, for God did send me before you to pre- 
serve life." 

7. What did he request them to do ? 

To go back in haste to Canaan, and bring down to 
Egypt their father, their families and their flocks and 
herds. 

8. Where did he wish them to dwell ? 
Near him, in the land of Goshen. 






GENESIS. 31 

9. What is said of Pharaoh when he heard that Joseph's breth- 
ren had come ? 

He was well pleased, and commanded Joseph to send 
them, with their beasts laden and with wagons, to bring 
all their households. 

10. What advice did Joseph give his brethren when they were 
about to depart ? 

" See that ye fall not out by the way." 

11. What did the children of Israel say when they met their 
father ? 

"Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the 
land of Egypt." 

12. How was he affected by their report? 

"His heart fainted, for he. believed them not." 

13. When was he convinced ? 

When they told him all the words of Joseph and when 
he saw the wagons that were sent. 

14. What did he say ? 

" It is enough : Joseph my son is yet alive ; I will go 
and see him before I die." 

15. Where did Joseph meet his father ? 

He went in his chariot and met him in the land of 
Goshen. 

16. What is said of their meeting ? 

Joseph fell on his father's neck and wept. 

17. What did his father say to him ? 

" Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because 
thou art yet alive." 



LESSON XIV. 



1. How long did Jacob live in the land of Egypt ? 
Seventeen years. 



32 BIBLE GEMS. 

2. What charge did he give to Joseph concerning his burial ? 
That he should be buried with his fathers, in the land 

of Canaan. 

3. What did Joseph answer his father ? 
" I will do as thou hast said." 

4. What did Joseph do when he heard that his father was sick ' 
He took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and 

went to see him. 

5. How did Israel show his interest in the children ? 
He embraced them and blessed them. 

6. What did he say to Joseph ? 

" I had not thought to see thy face ; and lo, God hath 
showed me also thy seed !" 

7. What did Israel say to Joseph after he had blessed the chil- 
dren ? 

" Behold I die, but God shall be with you and bring 
you again into the land of your fathers." 

8. Can you mention the last act of Jacob's life ? 

He called his sons together, addressed each by name, 
and uttered various predictions concerning their posterity. 

9. Upon whom did he pronounce special blessings ? 
Upon Joseph. 

10. How old was Israel when he died ? 
One hundred and forty-seven years. 

11. What was done with his body ? 
Joseph caused it to be embalmed. 

12. How long did the Egyptians mourn for Jacob? 
Seventy days. 

13. What is known of his funeral ? 

When the days of mourning were past, the children 
of Israel, and many of the Egyptians, went up to Canaan 
to the burial. 

14. What is said of the procession ? 

It was a very great company of both chariots and 
horsemen. 



EXODUS. 33 

15. Where do we read an account of Joseph and his brethren? 
In the latter part of the book of Genesis. 

16. What is recorded in the last verse of this book? 
The death of Joseph. 

17. How old was he when he died ? 
One hundred and ten years. 

18. What was done with his body? 

They embalmed it and put it in a coffin in Egypt. 

19. What did he request of his brethren before he died? 
That they should bury him in the land of Canaan. 

20. What was the condition of the Israelites after Joseph and 
the king had died ? 

Another king arose, who knew not Joseph, and they 
were held by him in cruel bondage. 



EXODUS. 



LESSON XV. 



1. Which is the second book of the Bible ? 
Exodus. 

2. What is the meaning of the word exodus ? 

It is a Greek word, which signifies a going forth or 
departure. 

3. Why is this name given to the second book of Moses? 
Because it begins with the story of the going out of 

the children of Israel from Egypt. 

4. Who commanded the Israelites to come out of Egypt? 

God took pity on their oppresssed condition, and de- 
clared they should return to the land which he sware to 
give to their fathers — Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

5. Whom did God appoint to lead Israel out of Egypt? 
Moses. 

c 



34 BIBLE GEMS. 

6. Who were his parents ? 

Amram and Jochabed, who were of the family of 
Levi. 

7. What is known of the infancy of Moses ? 

He was exceedingly fair, and his mother hid him three 
months in order to save his life. 

8. How was his life in danger ? 

Pharaoh, the Egyptian king, being jealous of the great 
increase of the Hebrews, decreed that all their male 
children should be cast into the river. 

9. How was Moses exposed ? 

When his mother could conceal him no longer, she 
placed him in an ark of bulrushes at the river's brink. 

10. In what manner was he saved ? 

The daughter of Pharaoh came to the river to bathe, 
and seeing the little ark among the flags, she sent her 
maid to fetch it. , 

11. What is said of the child when she opened the ark? 
" The babe wept." 

12. What is said of Pharaoh's daughter ? 

She had compassion on it, and said, This is one of the 
Hebrews' children. 

13. Who was watching near by to see what would happen to the 
child? 

Miriam, Moses' sister. 

14. What did she do ? 

She appeared before Pharaoh's daughter and offered to 
provide for the child a nurse, of the Hebrew women. 

15. When the king's daughter accepted the offer, what did 
Miriam do ? 

She brought the child's own mother. 

16. What did Pharaoh's daughter say to the woman ? 

" Take the child away and nurse it for me, and I will 
give thee thy wages." 



EXODUS. 35 

17. What did the woman do with the child when he was grown 
older ? 

She brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he 
became her son. 

18. Why was he called Moses ? 

Because the name signifies that he was drawn out of 
the water. 

19. What is known of his education ? 

He was educated in Pharaoh's court in all the learning 
of the Egyptians. 



LESSON XVI. 

1. W t hat is next recorded of Moses? 

Seeing an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, he slew the 
Egyptian, and, fearing the vengeance of the king, he fled 
into Midian. 

2. To whom was he married while in Midian ? 

To Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a Midianite 
priest. 

3. W T hat occurred when Moses was keeping his father-in-law's 
flock near Mount Horeb ? 

An angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a burning 
bush, and the Lord called to Moses out of the fire. 

4. What did he sa} 7 to him ? 

" Draw not nigh hither : put off thy shoes from off thy 
feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." 

5. What was remarkable in this burning? 
The bush was not consumed. 

6. What did the Lord direct Moses to do ? 

To return to Egypt and bring out his people Israel. 

7. Whom did God appoint to assist Moses in his mission and to 
be his spokesman ? 

His brother Aaron. 



36 BIBLE GEMS. 

8. What did Moses and Aaron do? 

They appeared before Pharaoh, and in the name of the 
Lord commanded him to send the people of Israel out 
of his land. 

9. What proof did they give of their authority ? 

They performed wonders in the sight of Pharaoh. 

10. What was the effect upon Pharaoh ? 

He would not let the people go. but increased their 
burdens. 

11 . How did the Lord punish Pharaoh ? 

He sent upon him a number of grievous plagues. 

12. What was the number of these plagues ? 
Ten. 

13. Which was the first? 

God turned the waters of Egypt into blood. 

14. The second ? 

The plague of frogs, which covered the land. 

15. The third ? 

The plague of lice. 

16. The fourth? 

The plague of flies. 

17. The fifth? 

The death of the cattle. 

18. The sixth? 

The plague of boils. 

19. The seventh ? 

A fearful hail, mixed with fire. 

20. The eighth ? 

The plague of locusts. 

21. The ninth? 

God sent thick darkness in all the land of Egypt. 

22. What was the effect of these plagues upon Pharaoh ? 
He would not yet liberate the people. 



EXODUS. 37 

23. What did God then declare to Moses ? 

That he would slay the first-born of all the families of 
Egypt and all the first-born of cattle. 

24. What did he say would be the effect of this plague upon 
Pharaoh ? 

That he would let the people go. 



LESSON XVII. 

1. What did the Lord command the Israelites to do on the 
evening before the tenth plague was sent? 

All the people were commanded to kill a lamb, and 
take of the blood and sprinkle it on the doorposts of 
their houses. 

2. Why was this to be done ? 

It was to be for the people a token that the angel of 
the Lord would pass over the houses of the Israelites 
when going about to slay the first-born of the Egyptians. 

3. What was to be done with the flesh ? 

I It was to be roasted, and eaten with unleavened bread 
i and bitter herbs. . 

4. For how long a time were they commanded to eat unleavened 
bread ? 

Seven days. 

5. What was this ordinance afterward called ? 
The Passover. 

6. In what month was the passover to be eaten ? 

In the first month of the Jewish sacred year, corre- 
sponding to our April. 

7. What change was made in the year from this time ? 

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, " This month shall 
be unto you the beginning of months; it shall be the 
first month of the year to you." 

8. How often were they to celebrate this feast ? 
Once a year. 



38 BIBLE GEMS. 



, 



9. At what time were the Egyptians visited with the last plagued 
At midnight. 

10. In what manner did Pharoah send the Israelites away? 
He requested them to take their flocks and herds and 

leave in haste, his people fearing they would all be dead 
men. 

11. When did they leave? 

On that dreadful night when the gloom of death filled 
every house of the Egyptians. 

V2. How much time was given them to make ready for their 
journey? 

So little that they were obliged to take their dough 
before it was leavened, their kneading-troughs being 
bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. 

13. How long had the children of Israel dwelt in Egypt ? 
Four hundred and thirty years. 

14. What treasures of the Egyptians did the Israelites take with 
them? 

The Lord gave them favor in the sight of the Egyp- 
tians, so that they lent them such things as they required. 

15. Did they remember the promise they had made to Joseph 
concerning his burial? 

They did, for they carried his bones with them. 

16. What was the number of Israelites that came out of Egypt? 
About six hundred thousand men, besides women and 

children. 

17. When they left Egypt, which way did the Lord lead them? 
Through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. 

18. Why not through the land of the Philistines, which was 
nearer? 

That they might not be exposed to the wars of the 
Philistines. 

1 ( ,). How were they guided in their journeyings 

By a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by 
night. 



EXODUS. 39 

20. How did they pass through the Red Sea ? 

God divided the waters, and the people went over on 
dry ground. 

21. What is said of the Egyptians? 

They followed after the Israelites, but were overthrown 
and perished in the sea. 

22. What did Moses and the people do when they found that 
they were delivered from their enemies ? 

They sang unto the Lord a song of praise. 

23. Who went out with a timbrel, and was followed by all the 
women with timbrels and with dances ? 

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. 



LESSON XVIII. 

1. Were the Israelites from this time always contented and 
happy ? 

They were not, but frequently murmured ? 

2. Why did they murmur ? 

Sometimes for want of water and sometimes for want 
of food. 

3. Why did they murmur at Marah ? 
Because the waters were bitter. 

4. What did the Lord command Moses to do ? 

To cast into the waters a certain tree, by which they 
would be made sweet. 

5. What place of refreshment did they find at Elim ? 

There were twelve wells of water and seventy palm 
trees. 

6. What was their complaint when they came to the Wilderness 
of Sin ? 

Their provisions being spent, they charged Moses and 
Aaron with a design to starve them. 



40 BIBLE GEMS. 

7. What did they say ? 

" Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord 
in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh-pots and 
when we did eat bread to the full !" 

8. How long had their food lasted them? 
About one month. 

9. How were their wants supplied? 

The Lord sent them quails in the evening and manna 
from heaven in the morning. 

10. How much manna were they allowed to gather every 
morning ? 

Only enough for one day, except on the sixth day, 
when they were required to lay up for the Sabbath. 

11. Was there none to be found on the Sabbath ? 

There was not, the Lord having set apart that day as 
a day of rest. 

12. If any was kept over night except what was gathered on the 
sixth day, what became of it ? 

It spoiled and bred worms. 

13. How much was allowed for each person? 
An oraer — about three quarts — a day. 

14. How was this bread held in remembrance? 

An omer of it was laid up for future generations in a 
golden pot, where it always remained pure. 

15. How long did the children of Israel eat manna? 

Forty years — until they came to the borders of 
Canaan. 

16. Where did they again become impatient? 
At Rephidim, because there was no water. 

17. How were they supplied ? 

The Lord commanded Moses to lead them to Horeb, 
and there to smite a rock, which should pour forth 
water. 

18. Who made an attack upon Israel in Rephidim ? 
Amalek. 



EXODUS. 41 

19. Whom did Moses appoint to prepare an army for the 
contest ? 

Joshua. 

20. Who were victorious in this battle? 
The Israelites. 

21. What is said of Joshua? 

"And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with 
the edge of the sword." 

22. Who were the Amalekites? 
The posterity of Esau. 

23. What did the Lord command Moses concerning the victory? 
To write it in a book and rehearse it in the ears of 

Joshua. 

24. Is this the first mention of writing in the Scriptures ? 
It is. 



LESSON XIX. 

1. Who came to see Moses? 
His father-in-law, Jethro. 

2. What induced him to come? 

Having heard what God had done for Moses and for 
Israel, he came with joy to greet him. 

3. Whom did he bring with him ? 
Moses' wife and his two sons. 

4. What appears from this ? 

That Moses had sent his family back to his father-in- 
law when he was going on his mission to redeem his 
kindred. 

5. What were the names of his sons? 
Gershom and Eliezer. 

6. What wise counsel did Jethro give to Moses ? 

That he should appoint judges to assist him in the 
government of the people. 
4 



42 BIBLE GEMS. 

7. Did Moses follow the advice of his father-in-law ? 

He did; and he appointed men to decide all small 
matters, while the hard causes were brought to him. 

8. Where did the Israelites go from Kephidim ? 

To the \vilderness of Sinai, where they encamped 
before the mount. 

9. What is known of God's doings on Mount Sinai ? 

He entered into covenant with the nation, and gave 
them the moral law and various other laws. 

10. Through whom did he propose his covenant with Israel ? 
Through Moses. 

11. Where did he speak to Moses? 
On Mount Sinai. 

12. W r hat message did he send to the people? 

He said if they would be obedient to his word and 
would keep his covenant, they should be a peculiar trea- 
sure unto him, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. 

13. What answer did the people return to the Lord ? 

They all answered together and said, " All that the 
Lord hath spoken we will do." 

14. What is meant by the moral law ? 

The ten commandments ; sometimes called the deca- 
logue. 

15. How did the Lord deliver them ? 

He first spoke them to the people, and afterward 
wrote them on two tables of stone and gave them to Moses. 

16. What did the Lord direct to be done two days before the 
giving of the law? 

He commanded Moses to sanctify the people, and cause 
them to wash their clothes and be ready by the third 
day, when the Lord would appear on Mount Sinai in the 
sight of all the people. 

17. How were they to be sanctified? 

They were to withdraw from all worldly business and 
pleasures, and devote themselves to religious services. 



EXODUS. 43 

18. What next did the Lord command Moses to do ? 

To set bounds unto the people, that they should not 
go up into the mount nor touch the border of it. 

19. What was the penalty of a violation of this command ? 
Any one touching the mount, whether man or beast, 

was to be put to death. 



LESSON XX. 



1. What occurred on the morning of the third day? 

There were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud 
upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet, so that 
all the people in the camp trembled. 

2. What did Moses do ? 

He brought forth the people out of the camp to meet 
God, and they stood below the mount. 

3. W r hat is said of the mount at this time ? 

It was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended 
upon it with fire, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 

4. What charge was again given through Moses to the people ? 
That they should not break through unto the Lord, 

lest he break forth upon them. 

5. When Moses had delivered the message, what did the Lord 
do? 

He spake his holy commandments in the hearing of 
his people Israel. 

6. How were the people moved when they heard the voice of 
God? 

They greatly feared, saying to Moses, "Speak thou 
unto us, and we will hear, but let not God speak unto us, 
lest we die." 

7. What did Moses then do ? 

When he had comforted the people, he again drew 
near unto God and heard from him an exposition of his 
law. 



44 BIBLE GEMS. 

8. Who were afterward called up to the mountain ? 

Moses with Aaron and his sons, and seventy of the 
elders of Israel. 

9. What was presented to their view ? 

A glorious appearance of God standing on a pave- 
ment of sapphires. 

10. What did the Lord promise Moses when he had called him 
up into the mount ? 

To give him the tables of the commandments and 
further instructions for the people. 

11. Who alone was permitted to go up with Moses at this time ? 
His servant Joshua. 

12. What is said of the appearance of the mount ? 

The glory of the Lord abode upon it, and a cloud 
covered it six days. 

13. What occurred on the seventh day? 

The Lord called unto Moses out of the cloud. 

14. What is said of the sight of the glory of the Lord? 

It was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in 
the eyes of the children of Israel. 

15. What did Moses do? 

He went through the cloud into the mount. 

16. How long did he remain there? 

Forty days and forty nights, without eating or drinking. 

17. Where was Joshua when Moses had passed into the cloud ? 
He was left without, waiting for Moses' return. 

18. What command did God now give to Moses? 

To prepare for him a sanctuary, that he might dwell 
among his people. 

19. What was Moses to require of the people? 

That they should bring offerings for the sanctuary. 

20. What manner of a structure was it to be? 

It was to be a grand and beautiful tabernacle or tent, 
in which the people were to worship. 



EXODUS. 45 



LESSON XXI. 

1. What is next recorded of the Lord's doings at Sinai ? 

He appointed the Aaronic priesthood and established 
his worship among his people. 

2. What is meant by the priesthood ? 

A chosen order of men appointed for offering sacrifices 
and conducting public worship. 

3. What is meant by a sacrifice? 

An animal or anything presented to God as an 
offering. • 

4. What is meant by the Aaronic priesthood? 

It was so called because it proceeded from the family 
of Aaron. 

5. Were all the male descendants of Aaron consecrated to the 
priesthood ? 

They were, and the first-born son of every family in 
succession was constituted a high-priest. 

6. What is said of the garments of the priests ? 

When the Lord had set apart Aaron and his sons for 
the priest's office, he commanded Moses to make them 
holy garments of rich, and costly material, "for glory 
and for beauty." 

7. What did the Lord give to Moses when he had finished com- 
muning with him ? 

He delivered to him the tables of the commandments. 

8. What is said of the people when they saw that Moses delayed 
to come down from the mount? 

They became impatient, and caused Aaron to make 
them a golden calf to be their god. 

9. When the idol was prepared, what did the people do ? 
They offered sacrifice unto it and worshiped it, saying, 

" These be thy gods which brought thee up out of the 
land of Egypt." 



46 BIBLE GEMS. 

10. What did the Lord say to Moses? 

He commanded Moses to go down to the people, saying, 
" They have corrupted themselves ; they have made a 
molten calf and have worshiped it." 

11. How did the Lord show his wrath against the people ? 

He threatened to consume them all and make of Moses 
a great nation. 

12. How was the wrath of the Lord appeased ? 
Moses interceded for the people. 

13. How was Moses affected when he drew near to the camp and 
heard the singing and saw the calf and the dancing? 

His anger was kindled, and he cast the tables out of 
his hands and brake them beneath the mount. 

14. What did he do with the golden calf? 

He burnt it in the fire and ground it to powder ; then 
strewed it upon the water and made the children of Israel 
drink of it. 

15. How were the people punished for their sin ? 

Moses commanded that the idolaters should be slain 
with the sword. 

16. Plow many fell that day? 
About three thousand men. 

17. What did Moses do for the people the next day after the 
slaughter ? 

He returned to the Lord and sought forgiveness for 
them. 

18. What was the effect of Moses' intercession ? 

The Lord would not grant them pardon, but threat- 
ened to blot the guilty out of his book, to visit their sin 
upon them and to withhold from them his presence. 

19. What promise did the Lord make to Moses when he had 
again made supplication for the people? 

" My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee 
rest." 






EXODUS. 47 



LESSON XXII. 



1. Was the Lord willing to renew the commandments? 
He was. 

2. What did he command Moses to do? 

To hew two tables of stone like unto the first and bring 
them to him on the top of the mount. 

3. For what purpose ? 

That he might write upon them the words that were 
on the first tables which he had broken. 

4. Was any other person permitted to be on the mount at this 
time? 

No one ; neither were the flocks and herds allowed to 
feed before the mount. 

5. How long was Moses with the Lord on the mount? 
Forty days and forty nights. 

6. What is said of Moses when the forty days had expired ? 
He descended from the mount with the tables of the 

testimony in his hand, and the skin of his face shone, 
though he knew T it not. 

7. How were Aaron and the people affected by his presence? 
They were afraid to come near him. 

8. What did Moses do ? 

He called them unto him ; and w 7 hen he had covered 
his face with a veil, he gave them in commandment all 
that the Lord had spoken with him in the mount. 

9. What instructions were given concerning the tabernacle ? 
Preparations were to be made for its erection, and all 

the people who were willing were requested to bring their 
offerings and assist in the work. 

10. What were some of the articles they were requested to 
bring ? 

Gold, silver and brass ; precious stones and fine linen 
of rich colors ; also, oils and spices. 



48 BIBLE GEMS. 

11. Were tlie people willing to contribute to the sanctuary ? 
They were ; both men and women brought offerings 

in such abundance that the workmen had more than 
enough, and Moses gave commandment that they should 
bring no more. 

12. Were they also willing to help with the work ? 

They were ; even the women spun with their hands — 
some fine work, and others coarse, of goats' hair. 

13. Who were divinely appointed to superintend the building 
of the tabernacle and to make the holy garments ? 

Bezaleel of the tribe of Judah, and Aholiab of the 
tribe of Dan. 

14. What was done when the tabernacle was completed? 
It was taken to Moses to be examined. 

15. What did Moses do? 

He looked upon every part of it ; and when he saw 
that it was done as the Lord had commanded, he blessed 
the people. 

16. What next was done ? 

Moses at God's command set up the tabernacle and its 
furniture, and consecrated it to holy use, pouring anoint- 
ing oil upon every part of it. 

17. What occurred when Moses had finished the work ? 

A cloud covered the tent, and the glory of the Lord 
filled the tabernacle, so that Moses was not able to enter in. 



LESSON XXIII. 

1. What is said of the consecration of the priesthood? 

Moses brought Aaron and his sons to the door of the 
tabernacle, and when he had washed them with water, 
he put upon them the holy garments, and anointed them 
for their sacred office. 



EXODUS. 49 

2. What did the Lord say in regard to their office ? 

"Their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priest- 
hood throughout their generations." 

3. When was the tabernacle set up? 

On the first day of the first month. 

4. How long was it after the Israelites had come out of Egypt? 
Fourteen days less than a year. 

5. By what was the tabernacle surrounded? 

By an enclosure called the court of the tabernacle. 

6. Can you describe the court ? 

It was a space one hundred and fifty feet in length and 
seventy-five in width, enclosed by fine linen curtains hung 
from sixty brazen pillars. 

7. W T hat is said of the entrance or gate of the court ? 

It was hung with a curtain of different color and tex- 
ture from the rest, which could be drawn up or let down. 

8. What was the size of the tabernacle itself? 

It was forty-five feet long, fifteen feet high and fifteen 
wide. 

9. W T hat do we know about its construction ? 

The sides and back part were enclosed with boards of 
acacia wood, richly gilded, and the front w T as open. 

10. How many coverings had it ? 

Four : the first of fine-twined linen, embroidered with 
cherubim ; the second of goats' hair ; the third of rams' 
skins ; and the fourth of badgers' skins. 

11. What covered the entrance or door of the tabernacle? 

A beautifully wrought curtain, suspended on five 
columns. 

12. What were the divisions of the sanctuary ? 

It contained two apartments — called the holy place or 
sanctuary, and the holy of holies. 

13. How were they separated ? 

By a richly-embroidered curtain or veil, hanging en- 
tirely across and reaching from the top to the bottom. 

5 D 



50 BIBLE GEMS. 

14. Which of the priests was permitted to enter the most holy 
place ? 

. Only the high-priest, and he but once a year. 

15. On what day? 

On the tenth day of the seventh month, which was the 
great day of atonement. 

16. After what ceremonies ? 

After having slain a sin-offering for himself and one 
for the people, he had to enter with the sprinkling of 
blood and burning of incense. 



LESSON XXIV. 

1 . What was the furniture of the court ? 
The altar of burnt-offering and the brazen laver. 

2. Describe the altar of burnt-offering. 

It was made of acacia wood, and was seven feet and 
six inches square and four feet and six inches high. 

3. In what manner was it constructed ? 

It was hollow and plated with brass. On each corner 
was a horn, and over the top a grate which held the fire. 

4. What was the laver ? 

It was a vessel resembling an urn, that contained water 
for washing the hands and feet of the priests when they 
were about to enter the sanctuary. 

5. Name the furniture of the holy place of the tabernacle. 
The golden candlestick, the table of shew-bread and 

the altar of incense. 

6. Will you describe the golden candlestick? 

It consisted of a stem and six branches, the stem and 
each branch bearing a lamp. 

7. What is said of the lamps? 

They were daily trimmed and supplied with pure olive 
oil. 



EXODUS. 51 

8. When were they kept burning ? 

Always at night, and some of them probably during 
the day. 

9. What is meant by the table of shew-bread ? 

Opposite the candlestick was placed a golden table, 
upon which was set unleavened bread prepared anew 
every Sabbath. 

10. How many loaves were put upon the table at a time ? 
Twelve, according to the number of the tribes of 

Israel. 

11. Why was it called shew-bread ? 

Because it stood continually before the Lord. 

12. What was done with the old loaves when they had been re- 
moved ? 

They were generally eaten by the priests in the court 
of the sanctuary. 

13. Can you describe the altar of incense? 

It w T as eighteen inches square and three feet high ; it 
was overlaid with pure gold, and encircled at the top 
with a crown of gold. 

14. What was its use ? 

Upon it incense was burned every morning and evening. 

15. What was placed in the holy of holies? 
The ark of the covenant. 

16. Can you describe this ark? 

It was a small, oblong chest, beautifully constructed 
according to the direction of God himself. 

17. What was its size ? 

It was three feet and nine inches in length, and two 
feet and three inches in width and height. 

18. Of what was it made ? 

Of acacia wood, and covered with plates of gold. 

19. What formed the lid or cover of the ark ? 

The mercy-seat, w r hich was made of pure gold and was 
surmounted on each end by a golden cherub. 



52 BIBLE GEMS. 

20. What rested over the mercy-seat? 

The symbol of the Divine presence in the form of a 
cloud. 

21. What articles were placed within the ark? 

The tables of the ten commandments and the golden 
pot with manna. 

22. Was the tabernacle a movable structure ? 

It was ; the Israelites bore it with them when they 
journeyed. 



LEVITICUS. 

LESSON XXV. 

1. Name the third book of the Old Testament? 
Leviticus. 

2. Of what does this book mainly consist? 

Of ceremonial laws delivered to Moses from above the 
mercy-seat. 

3. When were they delivered ? 

During the first month after the tabernacle was erected. 

4. Why is this book called Leviticus? 

Because it relates to the Levitical priesthood. 

5. What do you understand by the Levitical priesthood? 

It is so called because Aaron, the first high-priest, be- 
longed to the tribe of Levi. 

6. How are the ceremonies of the consecration of the priest- 
hood described ? 

They were grand and imposing. They were performed 
in the presence of all the people who were gathered be- 
fore the court of the tabernacle. 

7. Plow long was the time of the consecration of the priests ? 
Seven days; during which time they had to abide at 

the door of the tabernacle day and night and keep the 
charge of the Lord. 



LEVITICUS. 53 

8. What is said in regard to the newly-consecrated priests ? 

At the direction of Moses they entered upon their 
office and offered sacrifices for themselves and for the 
people. 

9. What token had they of the acceptance of their offerings? 
There went fire out from the Lord and consumed their 

sacrifices. 

10. What is said of Nadab and Abihu? 

" They offered strange fire before the Lord, which he 
commanded them not." 

11. What is meant by strange fire? 

Fire that had not been kindled by the Lord — such as 
they themselves brought in their censers. 

12. Who were ISadab and Abihu? 
The sons of Aaron. 

13. What was their punishment ? 
God consumed them with fire. 

14. In what words did Moses forbid Aaron and his remaining 
sons to mourn for jSadab and Abihu ? 

" Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes, 
lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people." 

15. Why were they not permitted to leave the tabernacle? 
Because the anointing oil of the Lord was upon them. 

16. What were the names of Aaron's remaining sons? 
Eleazar and Ithamar. 

17. What other history does this book contain besides what re- 
lates to the priesthood? 

We have an account of Shelomith's son, who was 
stoned to death for blaspheming the name of the Lord. 

18. What is known of his parents? 

His mother was an Israelitish woman of the tribe of 
Dan, and his father an Egyptian. 

5 * 



51 BIBLE GEMS. 

NUMBERS. 

LESSON XXVI. 

1. Which is the fourth book of the Old Testament? 
Numbers. 

2. Why is it called numbers? 

Because it relates to the numberings of the children 
of Israel. 

3. What account is given in the first and second chapters? 

Of the arrangement of the twelve tribes around the 
tabernacle at Sinai, and of the first numbering of the 
people ? 

4. Whom did God appoint to number the people ? 

Moses ; to be assisted by a prince or ruler from each 
tribe. 

5. In what year was this ? 

The second year after they came up out of Egypt. 

6. Which tribe was not numbered with the others ? 

The tribe of Levi ; being set apart to serve in the 
tabernacle. 

7. What number was contained in the first account ? 

Six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty. 

8. Did this include all ? 

No ; only the men from twenty years old and upward. 

9. How were the Levites numbered ? 

All the males from a month old and upward. 

10. What was their number? 
Twenty-two thousand. 

11. What promise of God to Abraham was already verified in 
reference to his posterity ? 

That his seed should be as the stars of heaven for 
multitude. 

12. How many sons had Levi? 

Three : Gershon, Kohath and Merari. 



NUMBERS. 55 

13. From which of them did Moses and Aaron descend ? 
From Kohath, who was their grandfather. 

14. What is said of offerings made at the dedication of the tab- 
ernacle ? 

The princes of Israel brought before the Lord six 
covered wagons and twelve oxen. 

15. Who are meant by these princes ? 

They were the same that presided over the numbering 
of the people. 

16. What use was to be made of the wagons and oxen? 

They were to be given to the Levites for the safe con- 
veyance of the table, when the Israelites would set for- 
ward. 

17. What directions were given for the moving of the tabernacle ? 
Aaron and his sons were commanded to take it down 

and cover with great care the holy furniture. 

18. W T hat was then to be done ? 

The chief men of the Levites were directed to come 
and bear it, but were not allowed to touch any holy thing 
on pain of death. 

19. How were the wagons and oxen distributed? 

To the sons of Gershon were given two wagons and 
four oxen, to convey the curtains and the hangings. 

20. To whom were the rest given ? 

To the sons of Merari were given four wagons and 
eight oxen, they having to bear the greatest burden, the 
boards and pillars and sockets. 

21. Who were appointed to convey the most sacred furniture of 
the sanctuary ? 

The sons of Kohath, who were to bear it upon their 
shoulders. 

22. What other offerings were brought besides the wagons and 
oxen? 

At the dedication of the altar the princes brought 

various gifts of great value. 




56 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON XXVII. 

1. When did the Israelites leave the wilderness of Sinai? 
In the second month of the second year. 

2. How long had they remained at Sinai ? 
About one year. 

3. Where did they now go? 
To the wilderness of Paran. 

4. How long were they on the way ? 
Three days. 

5. What occurred when they came to Paran ? 
The people complained, and God, being displeased, 

sent fire among them and destroyed some of them. 

6. Who interceded for them ? 

Moses prayed unto the Lord, and the fire was quenched. 

7. How did the people sin again ? 

They complained about their food and said, " Who 
shall give us flesh to eat ?" 

8. Was not their manna agreeable ? 
It was. 

9. What was it like? 

It was as coriander seed, and when baked it had a very 
pleasant taste. 

10. What complaint did Moses make to the Lord? 

He complained that the burden of the people was too 
great for him. 

11. How was he relieved ? 

The Lord put wisdom into seventy of the elders of 
Israel to be his assistants. 

12. How did God satisfy their desire for meat? 

He sent them quails in vast numbers, but in wrath. 

13. What occurred while the flesh was yet in their mouths? 
The Lord smote them with a great plague. 



NUMBERS. 57 

14. Where did the Israelites go after they had buried those who 
died of the plague? 

They journeyed to Hazeroth. 

15. What is said in regard to the conduct of Miriam and Aaron ? 
Being jealous of Moses, they spoke against him and 

reproached him because of his marriage. 

16. What punishment was sent upon Miriam? 
She- was smitten with leprosy. 

17. How long was Miriam shut out from the camp on account 
of her leprosy ? 

Seven days. 

18. How was she restored ? 

In answer to Moses' prayer. 

19. What did the people do when Miriam was brought in 
again ? 

They removed from Hazeroth and pitched in the wil- 
derness of Par an. 



LESSON XXVIII. 

1. What did the Lord now command Moses to do? 

To send twelve men — one of each tribe — to spy out the 
land of Canaan. 

2. With what instructions did he send them? 

He requested them to see the land, whether it was good 
or bad, and to learn the condition of the inhabitants, 
whether they were strong or weak, few or many. 

3. What report did they bring back ? 

After searching the land forty days, they brought a 
good report of its fruitfulness. 

4. What specimens of fruit did they bring ? 

They had pomegranates and figs, and a cluster of 
grapes so large and heavy that they bore it between two 
upon a staff. 



58 BIBLE GEMS. 

5. What did they say about the inhabitants ? 

Ten of the men brought an evil report, saying that the 
people were strong and lived in walled cities. 

6. Who dissented from their discouraging report ? 
Caleb and Joshua. 

7. What did Caleb propose to do ? 

To go up at once and possess the land. 

8. What did the men that went up with him say ? 

" We be not able to go up against the people, for they 
are stronger than we." 

9. What did they say of the stature of some of the people ? 
They said they saw the giants — the sons of Anak — 

and they were in their own sight as grasshoppers. 

10. How were the people affected by this report ? 

They became rebellious, and proposed returning to 
Egypt. 

11. Who tried to pacify them ? 

Caleb and Joshua, but the people threatened to stone 
them. 

12. What did the Lord say of this rebellious people? 
" How long will this people provoke me ?" 

13. What did he threaten to do ? 

To smite them with pestilence and disinherit them. 

14. Who prayed for their pardon ? 
Moses. 

15. How far was the prayer of Moses answered? 

The Lord forgave them ; yet he declared they should 
not see the land which he sware unto their fathers, except 
Caleb and Joshua. 

16. What did he command them to do? 

To turn back again toward the wilderness of the Red 
Sea. 

17. What did the Lord declare? 

That their little ones should know the land which they 
despised, but (heir bodies should fall in the wilderness. 



NUMBERS. 59 

18. What judgment came upon the ten spies who brought the 
evil report and caused this trouble in Israel ? 

They all died by the plague before the Lord. 

19. How were the people affected when Moses told them these 
sayings of the Lord ? 

They mourned greatly, and resolved to march to Ca- 
naan. 

20. What advice did Moses give them ? 

He said, " Go not up, for the Lord is not among you ; 
that ye be not smitten before your enemies." 

21. What did the children of Israel do? 

They went on, although the ark of the Lord and Moses 
departed not out of the camp. 

22. What was the result of their folly ? 

They were smitten by the Amalekites and Canaanites. 

23. What instance is given in this book of a violation of the 
law of the Sabbath ? 

A man was found gathering sticks on the Sabbath day, 
and at God's command was stoned to death. 



LESSON XXIX. 

1. Who incited a rebellion against Moses and Aaron? 
Korah, Dathan and Abiram. 

2. Who was Korah? 

He was the grandson of Levi. 

3. What is said of this rebellion ? 

Being envious of Moses and Aaron, they rose up with 
two hundred and fifty of the princes of Israel and said, 
" Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation 
are holy." 

4. How did Moses seek to allay this rebellion ? 

He remonstrated with Korah for seeking the priest- 
hood, and sent for Dathan and Abiram, whq refused to 
come. 



60 BIBLE GEMS. 

5. What did Korah and his company do ? 

They burned incense and drew together the congre- 
gation. 

6. How were they punished ? 

The earth opened her mouth and swallowed up some, 
while the two hundred and fifty who offered incense were 
consumed with fire. 

7. What charge did the people bring against Moses and Aaron ? 
They murmured and said, " Ye have killed the people 

of the Lord." 

8. What punishment came upon them? 

The Lord sent a plague among them, and threatened 
to consume them as in a moment. 

9. How was the plague stopped ? 

Aaron ran into the midst of the congregation with his 
censer and made an atonement for the people. 

10. What number died in the plague ? 
Fourteen thousand and seven hundred. 

11. What interesting account is given of the twelve rods? 
The Lord commanded there should be brought twelve 

rods, one for each tribe, with the name written upon it. 

12. Whose name was to be written upon the rod of Levi ? 
The name of Aaron. 

13. Where were the rods to be laid? 

In the tabernacle of the congregation, before the ark. 

14. When all was done as the Lord commanded, what occurred 
with Aaron's rod? 

It budded and blossomed and bore almonds. 

15. What was God's design in this miracle? 

To make known upon whom he conferred the priest- 
hood, that all mtirmurings of the people should cease. 

16. Where was this rod afterward placed ? 
In the ark of the covenant. 



NUMBERS. 61 

17. What is the subject of the eighteenth chapter of this book ? 
The charge of the priests and Levites, and their sup- 
port. 

18. What did the Lord say to Aaron ? 

He reminded him of the responsibility of the priest's 
office, which had been entrusted to him and his sons. 

19. What did he say of the Levites ? 

He said he chose them from among the children of 
Israel, and gave them to the priests to do the service of 
the tabernacle. 

20. How were the Levites supported ? 

They received the tenth part or tithes of the land. 

21. What was appropriated to the priests? 

Besides the first fruits, they were to have the tenths of 
the tithes of the Levites. 

22. What inheritance was given to the priests and Levites? 
Cities were granted them, but no lands ; the Lord said, 

" I am thy part and thine inheritance." 



LESSON XXX. 



1. What part of the history of the Israelites is recorded in the 
twentieth chapter? 

The history of the fortieth year of their wanderings. 

2. How many journeys had they made since their departure from 
Egypt ? 

Thirty-eight. 

3. To what place had they now come ? 

To Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin. 

4. What event is recorded in the beginning of this chapter ? 
The death and burial of Miriam, the sister of Moses 

and Aaron. 

5. What is mentioned immediately after this event? 

The people murmured for water and gathered them- 
selves together against Moses and Aaron. 



62 BIBLE GEMS. 

6. What did the Lord command Moses and Aaron to do? 

To take the rod and gather the assembly together, and 
speak unto the rock that it might give forth water. 

7. Did they do as the Lord had commanded? 

No ; instead of speaking to the rock, Moses smote it 
twice in anger ; and they refused to give God the glory 
due him. 

8. How were Moses and Aaron punished for their sin? 

They were not permitted to bring the people into the 
land which was promised them. 

9. Where did the Israelites go from Kadesh ? 

They went to Mount Hor, by the coast of the land of 
Edom. 

10. What did the Lord foretell to Moses and Aaron in Mount 
Hor? 

He said Aaron should be gathered unto his people and 
should not enter into the land of Canaan. 

11. What did he command Moses to do? 

To take Aaron and Eleazar his son and bring them 
up unto Mount Hor, and strip Aaron of his garments 
and put them upon Eleazar. 

12. What occurred when Moses had done as the Lord had com- 
manded ? 

Aaron died on the top of the mount, and Moses and 
Eleazar came down. 

13. How long did the people mourn for Aaron ? 
Thirty days. 

14. How did the people again provoke God ? 

Having met with discouragements, they spake against 
God and Moses. 

15. How did the Lord punish them ? 

He sent fiery serpents among them, which bit the 
people, so that many died. 



NUMBERS. 63 

16. What was done by Moses to save them? 

When they repented, Moses, at God's command, made 
a serpent of brass and put it upon a pole. 

17. For what purpose? 

If any one that was bitten looked upon the serpent he 
was healed. 

18. What account is next given of the Israelites ? 

After various marches, they sent messengers unto 
Sihon, king of the Amorites, asking permission to pass 
through his land. 

19. Did the king permit them to pass ? 

He did not, but gathered all his people together against 
Israel to battle. 

20. What was the result of the contest ? 

The Amorites were overcome by the Israelites, who 
took possession of all their cities and villages. 

21. Who next was overcome by the Israelites? 

Og, the king of Bashan, having gone out against 
Israel. 



LESSON XXXI. 



1. When the children of Israel again set forward, where did 
they pitch their tents ? 

In the plains of Moab, near Jericho. 

2. Who was king of the Moabites at this time ? 
Balak. 

3. How did Balak feel when he saw all that Israel had done to 
the Amorites ? 

He was sore afraid lest they should attack and destroy 
him. 

4. What did he do ? 

He sent for Balaam, a celebrated diviner, to come and 
curse the people. 



64 BIBLE GEMS. 

5. Could Balaam at once be persuaded to come? 

No ; he asked counsel of God, who forbade his going. 

6. What did he do afterward ? 

When Balak had sent other messengers, he consented 
to go with them, without the approval of God. 

7. How did the Lord show his displeasure? 

He sent an angel to meet and warn him in the way. 

8. What occurred on the way ? 

Balaam saw not the angel, but the beast upon which 
he sat saw it, and turned aside. 

9. What did Balaam do ? 

He smote the animal three times. 

10. What miracle then occurred? 

The Lord opened the mouth of the beast, and he said 
unto Balaam, u What have I done unto thee, that thou 
hast smitten me these three times ?" 

11. What did Balaam afterward see ? 

The Lord opened his eyes, and he saw the angel with 
a drawn sword in his hand. 

12. Did Balaam curse the people? 
He did not, but blessed them. 

13. What is further mentioned of Balaam? 

Finding himself thus restrained from cursing the peo- 
ple, he proposed another method for destroying them. 

14. What was this method? 

It was to tempt them to mingle in the sinful pursuits 
of the Moabites. 

15. How did this plan succeed ? 

It caused the death of twenty-four thousand of their 
men. 

1G. What was the fate of Balaam ? 

He was afterward slain in a battle between the Israel- 
ites and the Midianites. 






DEUTERONOMY. 65 

17. When was the second numbering of the people? 
Thirty-nine years after the first they were numbered 

again in the plains of Moab. 

18. What was the number in this account? 

Six hundred and one thousand seven hundred and 
thirty, not including the Levites. 

19. Wlrat was the number of the Levites? 
Twenty-three thousand. 

20. How many men were in the last account that were in the first ? 
Only two — Caleb and Joshua. 



DEUTERONOMY. 

LESSON XXXII. 

1. Which is the fifth book of the Old Testament? 
Deuteronomy, which signifies the second law. 

2. Why is it so called? 

Because it repeats much of the divine law which 
Moses gave in the three foregoing books. 

3. How did Moses deliver the repetition of the law? 
Both by word of mouth and by writing. 

4. When did he deliver it ? 
During the last month of his life. 

5. Whom did the Lord appoint to be a leader of the people 
after the death of Moses ? 

Joshua, Moses' servant. 

6. What charge did Moses give to Joshua ? 

He said, " Be strong, and of a good courage ; for thou 
shalt bring the children of Israel unto the land which I 
sware unto them ; and I will be with thee." 

7. How did Moses address the people before he died ? 
Having recited a song of praise to God, he blessed the 

children of Israel according to their tribes. 
6* E 



66 BIBLE GEMS. 

8. What did the Lord direct Moses to do when he had finished 
speaking to the people ? 

To go up to Mount Nebo to see the land of Canaan, 
and to die. 

9. From what place did the Lord show him the land ? 

From Pisgah, which was the highest point of the 
mount. 

10. What is known of the burial of Moses ? 

God buried him in the plains of Moab, and no one 
has ever found his grave. 

11. What is said of Moses when he died ? 

He was one hundred and twenty years old ; " his eye 
was not dim, nor his natural force abated." 

12. How long did the children of Israel mourn for Moses? 
They wept for him in the plains of Moab thirty days. 

13. What is said of Joshua ? 

" He was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had 
laid his hands upon him." 



JOSHUA. 

LESSON XXXIII. 




1. Name the sixth book of the Old Testament. 
Joshua. 

2. Is it known who wrote this book ? 

It is supposed to have been written by Joshua himself, 
except the last five verses. 

3. What is the meaning of the name Joshua? 
It means a saviour. 

4. Of whom was Joshua a type ? 

He was an eminent type of Christ, having saved God's 
people from the power of heathen nations and conducted 
them to the land of promise, as our Redeemer saves them 
from their sins and leads them to the heavenly Canaan. 



josiiua. 67 

5. What is recorded in the beginning of this book ? 

The entering of the Israelites into the promised land. 

6. In what order did they enter ? 

The people were commanded to follow the ark of the 
covenant, which the priests were directed to carry before 
them. 

7. How near were the people permitted to approach the ark ? 
A distance of one thousand yards. 

8. What river did they cross in their way ? 
The Jordan. 

9. How did they cross it ? 

The Lord separated the waters and caused the people 
to pass over on dry ground. 

10. W T hat city did they encompass and subdue on their arrival 
in the Holy Land? 

Jericho. 

11. How was the city taken ? 

All the men of war were commanded to pass around 
it seven days ; on the seventh day seven times. 

12. In what order did they proceed ? 

The armed men led the way, then followed. in front of 
the ark seven priests blowing trumpets of rams' horns, 
and all the rest following. 

13. What occurred on the seventh day? 

At the blowing of the trumpets God caused the city 
walls to fall flat to the ground. 

14. What was commanded concerning the treasures of the city ? 
All the silver and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, 

were to be consecrated to the Lord. 

15. What was to be done with the rest of the spoil ? 
It was to be burned with the city. 

16. Who violated these commands? 

Achan hid some of the treasure under his tent. 

17. What was the effect of Achan's sin ? 
Israel was defeated at Ai on account of it. 



68 BIBLE GEMS. 

18. How was Achan punished? 

God commanded that he should be stoned to death and 
his body should be burned. 



LESSON XXXIV. 

1. Plow did the Lord favor Israel after the death of Achan ? 
He delivered into the hand of Joshua the king of Ai, 

his people, his city and his land. 

2. What did the Lord say to Joshua about dividing the land of 
Canaan among the tribes? 

"Thou art old and stricken in years, and there re- 
maineth yet much land to be possessed." 

3. What portion had already been occupied ? 

Moses had given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and 
the half tribe of Manasseh, an inheritance on the east 
side of the Jordan. 

4. Who were to make a distribution among oilier tribes? 
Eleazar the priest, Joshua and the princes of the tribes. 

5. How was the division to be made ? 
By lot. 

6. How many tribes yet remained to receive their portions ? 
Nine and a half. 

7. W T as it not said that the tribe of Levi should have no part 
of the land? 

It was ; the sacrifices of the Lord made by fire being 
their inheritance. 

8. How, then, could there yet remain nine and a half tribes? 
The children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and 

Ephraim having been adopted by Jacob as his sons. 

9. How many cities were given to the Levites? 
Forty-eight. 

10. How many of these were to be cities of refuge? 
Six. 



JOSHUA. 69 

11. What is meant by cities of refuge? 

They were places divinely appointed, to which persons 
might flee for protection who had undesignedly killed a 
fellow-creature. 

12. What was the law in regard to the man si aver ? 

The avenger of blood could not molest him in one of 
these cities until his case was tried and the judgment of 
the congregation passed. 

13. Of what does the remainder of this book consist ? 

It continues the history of Israel under the command 
and government of Joshua. 

14. How long did Joshua live after the death of Moses ? 
About seventeen years. 

15. How did he take leave of his people before he died? 

He assembled the tribes together and delivered to 
them words of solemn counsel. 

16. Can you mention some of the words he addressed to them ? 

"Now, therefore, fear the Lord, and serve, him in sin- 
cerity and in truth ; and put away the gods which your 
fathers served on the other side of the flood and in 
Egypt." 

17. What did the people answer? 

" God forbid that we should forsake the Lord to serve 
other gods." 

18. What did Joshua do after this covenant between God and 
the people had been renewed ? 

He set up a great stone as a witness thereof. 

19. How old was Joshua when he died? 
One hundred and ten years. 

20. Where was he buried ? 

In the border of his own inheritance, which was in 
Mount Ephraim. 

21. What was done with the bones of Joseph, which the children 
of Israel had brought up out of Egypt ? 

They were buried in Shechem. 



70 BIBLE GEMS. 

22. Whose death is mentioned in the last verse of this chapter? 
That of Eleazar, the son of Aaron. 

23. Where was he buried ? 

In the hill belonging to his son Phiuehas, in Mount 
Ephraim. 



JUDGES. 
LESSON xxxy. 

1. Which is the seventh book of the Old Testament? 
Judges. 

2. Of what does this book give an account ? 
Of the judges of Israel. 

3. Who are meant by. the judges of Israel? 

They were men appointed after the death of Joshua 
to rule the affairs of the people. 

4.. In what manner were they supported ? 
Entirely by gifts from the people. 

5. How long did this form of government continue? 
About three hundred years. 

6. What was the number of the judges of Israel ? 
Fifteen. 

7. Who was the first? 

Othniel, who was the son of Kenaz, the youngest 
brother of Caleb. 

8. Who was the last? 
Samuel. 

9. Can you name a woman who filled the office of judge? 
Deborah, who was also a prophetess. 

10. What is known of Deborah? 

She was the wife of Lapidoth, and was a woman of 
eminent wisdom and holiness. 

11. Where was her judgment-seat? 
Under a palm tree in Mount Ephraim. 



JUDGES. 71 

12. What was the condition of Israel at this time ? 

They were suffering an oppressive bondage under 
Jabin, a Canaanitish king. 

13. What measures did Deborah take to subdue the enemy ? 
She called upon Barak to station himself upon Mount 

Tabor with ten thousand men. 

14. What was her purpose? 

To draw unto him Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, 
with his chariots and his multitude. 

15. What promise of victory did she give Barak ? 
That she would deliver Sisera into his hands. 

16. On what condition was Barak willing to undertake the en- 
terprise ? 

He said he would go if she would accompany him. 

17. Did Deborah consent to go? 
She did. 

18. What occurred when the two armies met ? 
Every man of the host of Sisera was slain. 

19. How did Deborah and Barak celebrate this victory? 
They sang a song of praise in triumph. 



LESSON XXXVI. 

1. For how long a time after this had the Israelites rest from 
their enemies ? 

Forty years. 

2. By whom were they afterward oppressed ? 

On account of their sins, God delivered them into the 
hands of the Midianites seven years. 

3. How were they rebuked by a prophet of the Lord ? 

He referred them to the blessings God had bestowed 
upon their nation, and reminded them of their disobe- 
dience. 

4. Who was commissioned by an angel to deliver them ? 
Gideon. 



72 BIBLE GEMS. 

5. Who was Gideon ? 

The son of Joash, and the seventh judge of Israel. 

6. "What is known of his character ? 

He was a mighty man of valor and was in favor with 
the Lord. 

7. Where did the angel appear? 

He sat under an oak which belonged to Gideon's 
father. 

8. In what was Gideon employed at this time? 

He was threshing wheat by the wine-press to hide it 
from the Midianites. 

9. How did he show his humility when the angel made known 
to him his mission ? 

He said, " Behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and 
I am the least of my father's house." 

10. What did the angel of the Lord reply ? 

" Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the 
Midianites as one man." 

11. What did Gideon present to the angel? 

He prepared for him a kid and unleavened bread. 

12. What occurred before the angel departed? 

Having requested Gideon to place the food upon a 
rock, there rose up fire out of the rock and consumed it. 

13. How did Gideon preserve the memory of this event? 

He built there a monument in the form of an altar, 
and called it Jehovah-shalom. 

14. What did Gideon do that same night? 

At the Lord's command, he offered sacrifice unto God 
and destroyed the altar of Baal. 

15. What was his success afterward? 

The Lord delivered into his hand the whole host of 
Midian. 

16. What sign of victory had Gideon asked of the Lord ? 
That a fleece of wool placed on the ground should be 

wet and the ground remain dry. 



JUDGES. 73 

17. How was it when early in the morning he examined the 
fleece ? 

It alone was wet, and he wrung out of it a bowl of 
water. 

18. How was the sign changed? 

He desired that the wool might be dry and the ground 
wet. 

19. How did he find it the next morning ? 

"It was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew 
on all the ground." 

20. Can you name a judge of Israel who became distinguished 
for subduing the Ammonites ? 

Jephthah. 

21. What rash vow did Jephthah make? 

On the eve of the battle he made a vow that if lie ob- 
tained the victory he would offer to God whatever should 
come forth from his house to meet him on his return. 

22. Who came forth to meet him ? 

His daughter, an only child, who welcomed his return 
w T ith music and dancing. 

23. Did Jephthah fulfill his vow ? 
He did. 



LESSON XXXVII. 

1 . Who was Samson ? 

He was the son of Manoah, and for twenty years a 
judge of Israel. 

2. What is known of his birth ? 

An angel appeared to Manoah's wife, and promised her 
a son who should be a Nazarite from his birth. 

3. What was meant by a Nazarite ? 

One under a vow to abstain from all intoxicating 
liquors, to let the hair grow, and not to be present where 
there was a funeral or a dead body. 
7 



74 BIBLE GEMS. 

4. What did the angel say of the child ? 

He shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the 
Philistines. 

5. What is said of him after his birth ? 
" The Lord blessed him." 

6. For what was Samson distinguished ? 
For his very great strength. 

7. Can you mention some of his feats of strength ? 

He at one time killed a lion, and afterward smote 
many of God's enemies — the Philistines. 

8. What did he do when he was shut up in the city of Gaza ? 
He arose at midnight and carried away the doors of 

the city gate upon his shoulders to the top of a hill. 

9. What did he do when the Philistines had hound him with 
cords and withs ? 

He brake them as thread is broken when touched with 
fire. 

10. How did he lose his great strength ? 

He revealed the secret of it to Delilah, a deceitful 
woman whom he loved, and she deprived him of it by 
cutting off his hair while asleep. 

11. What happened to him then ? 

The Philistines took him and put out his eyes and cast 
him into prison. 

12. Did his strength ever return to him again ? 

It did, when his hair had grown, though his enemies 
knew it not. 

13. How did the Philistines celebrate their victory ? 

All the lords and a multitude of the people assembled 
themselves together in their temple, and rejoiced and 
offered sacrifice unto Dagon their god. 

14. What did they say ? 

" Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our 
hands." 



RUTH. 75 

15. What did they do with Samson when their hearts were 
merry ? 

They had him brought out of the prison to make sport 
for them. 

16. How many persons were on the roofs of the buildings 
around to witness the sport ? 

About three thousand. 

17. What did Samson do? 

He prayed to the Lord for strength, then bowed him- 
self against the pillars of the temple with, all his might, 
and it fell upon himself and all the people. 

18. What is known of the burial of Samson? 

His brethren came and bore away his body and buried 
it in his father's burying-place. 

19. What does the latter part of the book of Judges contain ? 
Different events which happened in the days when the 

judges ruled. 

20. Is it known who wrote this book ? 

It is supposed to have been written by Samuel. 



RUTH. 

LESSON XXXVIII. 

1. Name the eighth book of the Old Testament ? 

Kuth, in which is given a beautiful account of Elime- 
lech and Naomi, and their devoted daughter-in-law, Ruth. 

2. What do we learn of the character of Ruth ? 

We have an account of her conversion from heathen- 
ism to the true religion, her continuing in piety and vir- 
tue, and her strong attachment to her mother-in-law. 

3. Where did Elimelech and Naomi live? 

In Bethlehem-judah, but in consequence of a famine, 
they removed for a time to the country of Moab. 



76 BIBLE GEMS. 

4. How many children had they ? 
Two sons — Mahlon and Chilion. 

5. What affliction came upon the family ? 
Elimelech, the father, died. 

6. To whom were the sons afterward married ? 
They took wives of the women of Moab, whose names 

were Orpah and Ruth. 

7. What affliction followed? 

The death of Mahlon and Chilion. 

8. What is said of Naomi ? 

She determined to return to her home, having heard 
that the Lord had visited his people in giving them 
bread. 

9. What is said of her daughters-in-law ? 

They desired to return with her to the land of Judah. 

10. What did Naomi say to them when they had gone with her 
part of the way ? 

" Go ; return each to her mother's house : the Lord 
deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead and 
with me." 

11. How were they affected when she kissed them and was about 
to depart? 

They wept aloud and refused to leave her. 

12. What did they do when she had again entreated them to go 
back? 

Orpah kissed her and returned, but Ruth clave unto 
her. 

13. What did Kuth say to her mother-in-law ? 

" Entreat me not to leave thee or to return from fol- 
lowing after thee; for whither thou goest I will go, and 
where thou lodgest I will lodge : thy people shall be my 
people and thy God my God : where thou diest will I 
die, and there will I be buried." 

14. Did Naomi at last consent to her wish? 

She did, and they went together to Bethlehem. 






FIRST SAMUEL. 77 

15. At what season did they arrive there? 
In the beginning of barley harvest. 

16. How was Ruth employed? 

She went to the fields to glean ears of barley. 

17. With whom did she find favor ? 

With Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. 

18. What is known of Boaz? 

He was a descendant of Judah — was a man of wealth 
and of good repute. 

1.9. How did he show his regard for Ruth ? 

He treated her kindly while she was gleaning and 
afterward took her to be his wife. 

20. Is it known who wrote the book of Ruth ? 

It is supposed to have been written by Samuel. 

21. What renders the history of Ruth important? 
She was one of the ancestors of Christ. 

22. Through whose lineage was Christ a descendant of Ruth ? 
The lineage of David. 

23. How do we know that Christ was a descendant of Ruth ? 
He descended from David, of whom Ruth was the 

great-grandmother. 



FIRST SAMUEL. 

LESSON XXXIX. 

1. Name the ninth book of the Old Testament. 
First Samuel. 

2. Who was Samuel ? 

The son of Elkanah and Hannah. 

3. What vow did his mother make before his birth ? 

That she would give him unto the Lord all the days 
of his life, and that no razor should come upon his head. 
7* 



78 BIBLE GEMS. 

4. What is known of Samuel's early childhood ? 

He was placed in the tabernacle at Shiloh, where he 
assisted Eli, the high-priest. 

5. What did his mother bring him when she came up with her 
husband to offer the yearly sacrifice ? 

She made him a little coat from year to year, and 
brought it to him. 

6. How was the word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel? 
The Lord called him three times out of his sleep, 

though Samuel knew not that it was the Lord. 

7. What mistake did Samuel make these three times? 

He thought that Eli had called him, and he arose and 
went to him and said, " Here am I." 

8. What did Eli say when Samuel came to him the third time? 
Perceiving that it was the Lord, he instructed Samuel 

how to answer if he should again be called. 

9. What answer did he instruct Samuel to make ? 
" Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth." 

10. When Samuel had done as he was commanded, what did 
the Lord foretell him ? 

The destruction of Eli's house. 

11. Why did he pronounce judgment against Eli? 
Because of the iniquity of his family : " His sons 

mafle themselves vile, and he restrained them not." 

12. Did Samuel tell Eli the vision ? 

At his earnest entreaty he did, though unwillingly. 

13. What did Eli say ? 

" It is the Lord ; let him do what seemeth him good." 

14. What is said of Samuel ? 

All Israel knew that he was established to be a prophet 
of the Lord. 

15. How was the declaration of the Lord fulfilled? 

The Israelites went out against the Philistines to battle 
at Ebenezer, and being smitten, they sent to Shiloh for 
the ark of the Lord to save them. 



FIRST SAMUEL. 79 

16. What followed? 

" There was a great slaughter, for there fell of Israel 
thirty thousand footmen.' 7 

17. What was the fate of the ark and of Eli's sons ? 

" The ark of God was taken, and the two sons of Eli, 
Hophni and Phinehas, were slain. 

18. What is said of Eli? 

He sat by the city gate watching, for his heart trembled 
for the ark of God. 

19. How was he affected when he heard the news? 

He fell backward from off the seat, and broke his neck 
and died. 

20. What is said of the wife of Phinehas? 
She also died from the effect of grief. 



LESSON XL. 

1. To what place did the Philistines take the ark? 

They took it to Ashdod, and put it in the house of 
Dagon. 

2. What occurred the first night ? 

When the people came early next morning to the 
temple, they found that Dagon had fallen upon his face 
before the ark. 

3. What did they do with the idol ? 
They set him in his place again. 

4. What happened during the second night? 

When they came again early in the morning, they 
found Dagon had fallen upon the threshold, and was 
broken to pieces. 

5. How long was the ark in the country of the Philistines ? 
Seven years. 

6. What is said of the Philistines while the ark was with them ? 
The hand of the Lord was against them. 



80 BIBLE GEMS. 



7. What counsel was given by their priests and diviners? 
That they should send the ark back upon a new cart 

to its place. 

8. To what place were they directed to send it ? 
To Beth-shemesh. 

9. What judgment came upon the Israelites at Beth-shemesh ? 
Upward of fifty thousand men were swept off by pes- 
tilence because they had looked into the ark of the Lord. 

10. What did the men of Beth-shemesh say ? 

" Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God ?" 

11. What next was done with the ark ? 
It was taken to Kirjath-jearim. 

12. How long did it remain there ? 
Twenty years. 

13. Where did Samuel live when he was judge of Israel ? 

He had his house at Ramah, but went from }^ear to 
year to Bethel, Gilgal and Mizpah. 

14. What office was given to the sons of Samuel ? 

When Samuel was old, he made his sons, Joel and 
Abiah, judges over Israel. 

15. What was their character? 

They were not as their father, " but turned aside after 
lucre, and took bribes and perverted judgment." 
1G. What did the people request of Samuel? 
That he should make them a king. 

17. What reason did they give for desiring a king? 

They said, "Behold thou art old, and thy sons walk 
not in thy ways ; now make us a king to judge us like all 
the nations." 

18. How did Samuel regard their request? 

The thing displeased him, and he prayed unto the 
Lord. 

19. What counsel did he receive from God ? 

Because of their importunity, the Lord directed Samuel 
to make them a king. 






FIRST SAMUEL. 81 

20. Whom did Samuel choose to be their king ? 

A young man whose name was Saul, the son of Kish, 
of the tribe of Benjamin. / 

21. What is known of his appearance? 

In person he was remarkably handsome. 

22. How was Saul anointed king ? 

Samuel took a vial of oil and poured it upon his head. 

23. What change came upon Saul ? 

God gave him another heart and he prophesied. 

24. What did the people say of this change ? 

" What is this that has come unto the son of Kish ? 
Is Saul also among the prophets ?" 

25. What is recorded of Saul during the early part of his reign? 
Being a valiant warrior, he won many victories over 

the Philistines, and was in favor with his people. 

26. What occurred in the latter part ? 

He w r as commissioned by divine authority to execute 
vengeance upon the Amalekites for their conduct toward 
the children of Israel. 

27. Did he obey ? 

Only in part, and for his sin he was deprived of his 
crown. 

28. What was his conduct after this ? 

He became the slave of jealousy and malice. 



LESSOR XLI, 

1. Who was divinely appointed to be king in the place of Saul ? 
David. 

2. Who was David? 

He was the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem. 

3. Who was sent to Bethlehem to anoint him as king of Israel ? 
Samuel. 

4. What was David's age at this time ? 
About twenty-two years. 

F 



82 BIBLE GEMS. 

5. What office was given to David before he succeeded to the 
throne ? 

He became Saul's armor-bearer. 

6. What is said of David's personal appearance ? 

He was ruddy and of a beautiful countenance. 

7. In what was he employed when Samuel met him ? 
He was keeping his father's sheep. 

8. What was his character ? 

He was a man after God's own heart. 

9. Did he always walk in the ways of wisdom and piety ? 

No ; at a later period of his life he fell into sin, but he 
sincerely repented before he died. 

10. What examples are given of David's valor when a youth ? 
He killed a lion and a bear, and afterward slew Goliath 

of Gath. 

11. Who was Goliath ? 

He was a champion of the Philistines — a giant of great 
strength. 

12. What is known of his stature ? 
He was about ten feet in height. 

13. What is said of his armor? 

It was made of brass and was of great weight, to cor- 
respond with his stature and strength. 

14. On what occasion did Goliath try to distinguish himself? 
When the armies of the Israelites and Philistines were 

arrayed against each other for battle, Goliath drew near, 
evening and morning, for forty days. 

15. How did he seek to display his valor? 

He defied the armies of Israel, and challenged them to 
give him a man to fight in single combat. 

16. What were the words of his challenge ? 

" If he be able to fight with me, then will we be your 
servants; but if I prevail against him, then shall ye be 
our servants." 



FIRST SAMUEL. 83 

17. What is said of Saul and his army when he heard the words 
of the Philistine? 

" They were dismayed and greatly afraid." 



LESSON XLII. 

1. How did David happen to visit Saul's army ? 

His father had sent him with provisions to his three 
eldest brethren, who followed Saul to the battle. 

2. What did David say of Goliath ? 

" Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should 
defy the armies of the living God ?" 

3. How did he show his courage ? 

He said, " Let no man's heart fail because of him ; 
thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine." 

4. What did Saul answer him ? 

He said to David, " Thou art not able to go against 
this Philistine to fight with him, for thou art but a youth, 
and he a man of w T ar from his youth." 

5. How did Saul arm David when at last he was persuaded to 
let him go ? 

He put upon him his own armor, but David, not being 
accustomed to it, put it off him. 

6. What weapons did David use ? 

"He took his staff in his hand and chose him five 
smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shep- 
herd's bag." 

7. What did the Philistine say when he saw David? 

He cursed him by his gods, and said to him, " Come 
to me and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air 
and to the beasts of the field." 

8. What did David reply ? 

" Thou comest to me with a sword and with a spear 
and with a shield, but I come in the name of the Lord." 



84 BIBLE GEMS. 

9. How did David conquer the giant ? 

He put a stone into his sling and smote him in his 
forehead, that he fell upon his face to the earth. 

10. How was David regarded after this victory ? 

It greatly advanced his reputation, and secured him a 
high place in the court and camp of King Saul. 

11. Who became a firm and abiding friend of David? 
Jonathan, the king's son. 

12. What is said of their friendship? 

" The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of 
David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." 

13. How did David lose the favor of Saul ? 

He won such fame by his great achievements that Saul 
became jealous of him and sought to take his life. 

14. Is it known who wrote the first book of Samuel ? 

It was written by Samuel to the end of the twenty- 
fourth chapter. 

15. Where is the death of Samuel recorded ? 
In the twenty-fifth chapter. 

16. What is said of his death ? 

"And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gath- 
ered together and lamented him, and buried him in his 
house at Ramah." 

17. What is recorded in the last chapter of this book? 

The Israelites were smitten by the Philistines at Gil- 
boa, and Saul's three sons were slain. 

18. What is said of Saul ? 

Finding himself wounded and likely to fall into the 
hands of the enemy, he threw himself upon his own 
sword and died. 

19. What is said of his armor-bearer ? 

When he saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his 
sword and died with him. 



SECOND SAMUEL. 85 



SECOND SAMUEL. 

LESSON XLIII. 

1. Name the tenth book of the Old Testament. 
Second Samuel. 

2. What does this book contain ? 

A history of the reign of David during a period of 
forty years. 

3. When did David begin to reign ? 

After the death of Saul, when he became king of the 
tribe of Judah. 

4. How long did he govern the tribe of Judah ? 
About seven years. 

5. Where did he dwell at this time ? 
At Hebron. 

6. How long did he reign over all Israel ? 
Thirty-three years. 

7. Where did he live when he reigned over Israel? 
At Jerusalem, the capital of his Tdngdom. 

8. What is known of Jerusalem ? 

It was the place selected by the Lord for his dwelling ; 
h was the " perfection of beauty" and the " glory of all 
lands." 

9. What is said of its strength ? 

The whole foundation was of rock, with steep ascents 
on three sides. 

10. Where was it situated ? 

On the boundary line between the tribes of Judah and 
| Benjamin. 

11. Who had possession of Jerusalem before David removed his 
court thither from Hebron? 

The Jebusites. 

8 



86 BIBLE UEMS. 

12. What had they erected in the southern quarter of the 
city? 

A fortress, which was wrested from them, and afterward 
called Mount Zion. 

13. What was Jerusalem afterward called ? 
The city of David. 

14. What preparation was made to bring the ark up to Jerusa- 
lem ? 

David gathered together thirty thousand chosen men 
of Israel, and went to bring up the ark of God. 

15. From whence did they bring it ? 
From Kirjath-jearim, out of the house of Abinadab, 

16. How did they bring it ? 

On a new cart driven by Uzzah and Ahia, the sons of 
Abinadab. 

17. How did the people express their joy on the removal of the 
ark? 

" David and all the house of Israel played before the 
Lord on all manner of instruments." 

18. What instruments did they use ? 

Harps, psalteries, timbrels, cornets and cymbals. 

19. What occurred when they came to Nachon's threshing-floor ? 
Uzzah took hold of the ark because the oxen shook it, 

and the Lord smote him that he died. 

20. What effect did this occurrence have upon David ? 

He was afraid, and would not remove the ark into the 
city of David, but put it into the house of Obed-edom, 
the Gittite. 

21. How long did the ark continue with Obed-edom ? 

Three months, during which time the Lord blessed 
him and all his household. 

22. What did David do when he saw that the ark had brought 
a blessing upon Obed-edom ? 

He went with gladness and brought the ark of God to 
his own city. 






I SECOND SAMUEL. ' 87 

23. In what was it placed ? 
In a tabernacle or tent, which David had pitched in 
imitation of the one prepared by Moses. 



LESSON XLIV. 

1. What purpose came into David's mind when he sat at rest 
and peace in his own house? 

To build a temple for the honor of God. 

2. What did he say to Nathan, the prophet ? 

" See, now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of 
God dwelleth within curtains." 

3. Did Nathan favor his purpose ? 

He did, though he afterward, at God's command, for- 
bade him. 

4. Why did he forbid him ? 

Because David had been a man of war and had shed 
blood. 

5. What promise did the Lord make known to David, by Na- 
than, concerning his son ? 

He said, " He shall build a house for my name, and I 
will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever." 

6. How did David receive the word of the Lord? 
He offered prayer and thanksgiving. 

7. Which of the sons of David brought great sorrow upon his 
father ? 

Absalom. 

8. For what was Absalom remarkable ? 
For his beauty and for his hair. 

9. What was his character ? 

He was ambitious, artful and wicked. 

10. What caused him on one occasion to flee from his home ? 
He had slain his brother Amu on. 



88 BIBLE GEMS. 

11. After what length of time did his father again receive him 
into favor? 

After five years. 

12. When did Absalom engage in rebellion against his father? 
In the latter part of David's reign. 

13. By what means did he seek to obtain his father's throne ? 
He procured chariots and horsemen, and other appen- 
dages of royalty. 

14. How did he win the hearts of the people ? 

He stood in public places courting their favor, and tell- 
ing them their rights were not regarded by the govern- 
ment. 

15. What did he say of himself? 

He said if he were elevated to power he would do 
justice to all. 

16. How did Absalom deceive his father? 

He obtained permission to go to Hebron, under pre- 
tence of paying a vow which he had made. 

17. What was his design ? 

To have himself proclaimed king throughout all the 
tribes. 

18. How many men went out with him from Jerusalem ? 
Two hundred. 

19. Were these aware of Absalom's design ? 

They were not, " but went in their simplicity, and 
knew not anything." 

20. What eminent person did Absalom send for and enlist in his 
favor ? 

Ahithophel. 

21. Who was Ahithophel ? 

He was at one time David's familiar friend and coun 
selor. 



SECOND SAMUEL. 89 



LESSON XLV. 



1 . What did David do when a messenger reported to him that 
the hearts of the men of Israel were after Absalom ? 

He fled in haste from Jerusalem with many of his men, 
of such as were willing to go. 

2. What is said of their ascent of Mount Olivet? 

David went up weeping, with his head covered and 
barefoot, and all the people had their heads covered and 
wept as they weut up. 

3. What was David's prayer when told that Ahithophel was 
among the conspirators ? 

"O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel 
into foolishness." 

4. Who met David when he had come to the top of the mount 
and was worshiping God ? 

Hushai, David's special friend. 

5. How did he come ? 

With his clothes rent and earth upon his head. 

6. What did David direct him to. do ? 

To return to Jerusalem and defeat the counsel of 
Ahithophel. 

7. Where was Absalom after David had left the city ? 
He had come unto Jerusalem. 

8. What did Ahithophel propose to Absalom ? 

He said, "Let me now choose out twelve thousand 
men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night." 

9. What did he do when his counsel was defeated by Hushai ? 
He went and hanged himself. 

10. Whom did Absalom make captain over his host ? 
Amasa. 

11. How did David defend his authority ? 

He sent out an army against the revolted party. 



90 BIBLE GEMS.. 

12. What charge did he give concerning Absalom ? 

He said, " Deal gently, for my sake, with the young 
man, even Absalom." 

13. What is said of the battle ? 

The two armies met in the wood of Ephraim, and the 
battle was severe and bloody. 

14. What was the fate of Absalom ? 

He rode upon a mule, and in passing under the thick 
boughs of an oak he was caught by his hair in the 
branches, where he was left suspended in the air. 

15. By whom was he slain ? 

By Joab, one of David's captains, who took three darts 
and thrust them through his heart. 

16. What was done with his body ? 

They cast it into a pit in the wood and covered it with 
stones. 

17. How was the king affected when he was told of the fate of 
Absalom ? 

He was much moved, and went up to the chamber over 
the gate and wept. 

18. What did he say ? 

"O my son Absalom! my son! my son Absalom! 
Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son ! 
my son !" 

19. Is it known who wrote the second book of Samuel? 

It is supposed to have been written by some of the 
prophets, probably Nathan and Gad. 



FIRST KINGS. 

LESSON XLVI. 

1. Which is the eleventh book of the Old Testament? 
First Kings. 



FIRST KINGS. 91 

2. What do we learn in this book? 

We have an account of the death of David, and of the 
reign of Solomon and his building of the temple in Je- 
rusalem. 

3. Who was Solomon ? 
The son of David. 

4. Who had directed that he should be made king? 
David, his father. 

5. By whom was Solomon anointed ? 
By Zadok, the priest. 

6. What charge did David deliver to Solomon before he died ? 
He said, " I go the way of all the earth ; be thou 

strong, therefore, and show thyself a man, and keep the 
charge of the Lord thy God." 

7. What name was given to Solomon by divine direction soon 
after his birth ? 

Jedidiah, which signifies beloved of the Lord. 

8. For what was Solomon remarkable ? 
For his eminent wisdom. 

9. What is known of his reign ? 

The early part of it was peaceful and greatly prosper- 
ous. 

10. For what was his court distinguished ? 
For its grandeur and magnificence. 

11. What was the great event of his reign ? 
The erection of the holy temple. 

12. Who had designed this temple ? 

His father David, being divinely instructed. 

13. When did Solomon commence the work ? 
In the fourth year of his reign. 

14. Whom did he request to furnish him with timber for the 
building? 

Hiram, king of Tyre, who was Solomon's friend. 



92 BIBLE GEMS. 

15. What was their agreement concerning this matter? 
Hiram promised that his servants should bring down 

from Lebanon unto the sea timber of cedar and of fir. 

16. How were they to be brought to Solomon ? 

He said, " I will convey them by sea in floats unto the 
place that thou shalt appoint me." 

17. What was Hiram to receive in return ? 

Food for his household, such as wheat and oil. 



LESSON XLVII. 

1. How many men were employed in building the temple ? 
One hundred and eighty-three thousand and six hun- 
dred. 

2. How long were they in building it ? 
Seven and a half years. 

3. What materials were used in building besides wood ? 
Brass, iron, stone and a vast amount of gold. 

4. Where was the work prepared ? 

All the parts were prepared at some distance from the 
site of the building. 

5. How was the building put up ? 

When the articles were brought together, the whole 
structure was erected without the sound of hammer, axe 
or any other tool of iron. 

6. What was the plan of the building ? 

In its general form it resembled the tabernacle of 
Moses, for which it was substituted. 

7. In what part of the holy city was the temple erected? 

On Mount Moriah, which was a summit of Mount 
Zion. 

8. What besides the temple did Solomon build? 
Three beautiful palaces. 






FIRST KINGS. 93 

9. When all the work of the house of the Lord was ended, what 
was done with the things which David had dedicated ? 

Solomon put them among the sacred treasures. 

10. What next was done ? 

The elders and chief men of Israel were assembled 
together for the dedication of the temple. 

11. What was done with the ark and all the holy vessels of the 
tabernacle ? 

The priests and Levites brought them up, and the ark 
was put into the most holy place. 

12. What still remained in the ark of the covenant ? 
The tables of the ten commandments. 

13. How did Solomon conduct the service of dedication ? 
With blessing, with prayer and with sacrifice. 

14. What distinguished woman had heard of the wisdom and 
prosperity of Solomon, and resolved to visit him ? 

The queen of Sheba. 

15. How did she come ? 

With a great train of attendants, bringing to the king 
presents of spices, gold and precious stones. 

16. What did she say when she saw his glory and greatness ? 

" I believed not the words until I came, and mine eyes 
had seen it, and behold the half was not told me !" 

17. How did the king show his regard for her ? 

He answered all her questions, and gave her every- 
thing she desired. 

18. What is said of the greatness of Solomon ? 

He exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and 
for wisdom. v 

19. What is known of the latter part of his reign ? 

He was led into the practice of idolatry and other 
sins, which brought heavy judgments upon him and his 
country. 

20. How long did Solomon reign in Jerusalem ? 
Forty years. 



94 BIBLE GEMS. 

21. What is said of his death ? 

"And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried 
in the city of David." 



LESSON XL VIII. 

1. Who was the next king after Solomon? 
His son Rehoboam. 

2. What gave rise to a division of the kingdom in the beginning 
of Kehoboam's reign? 

He provoked the displeasure of the people by taking 
the advice of the younger in preference to his older 
counselors. 

3. What wise counsel did he reject ? 

That he should speak kindly to the people, and make 
lighter the yoke which his father had put upon them. 

4. How did Kehoboam answer the people ? 

He spoke to them roughly, saying, " My father made 
your yoke heavy, and I w 7 ill add to your yoke. My 
father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise 
you with scorpions." 

5. How was the kingdom divided ? 

Ten tribes revolted, leaving Judah and Benjamin alone 
in their allegiance to Rehoboam. 

6. By what name was the rebellious portion distinguished ? 
It was called the kingdom of Israel. 

7. What did the other two tribes constitute? 

The kingdom of Judah, or the house of David. 

8. Who was made king over the revolted tribes ? 
Jeroboam. 

9. What was his character? 

He was bold and ambitious, and showed great zeal in 
the worship of idols. 



FIRST KINGS. 95 

10. What is known of his reign ? 

He kept up almost unceasing wars with the house of 
David. 

11. Where did he fix his residence? 
At Shechem, in Mount Ephraim. 

12. What city afterward became the capital of the ten tribes? 
Samaria. 

13. Where was the capital of Judah ? 
It remained at Jerusalem. 

14. The history of what prophet is commenced in the latter part 
of this book ? 

The prophet Elijah. 

15. What prophecy did he utter to King Ahab ? 

He said, " There shall not be dew nor rain these years, 
but according to my word." 

16. Who was Ahab? 

He was the son and successor of Omri, king of Israel, 
and reigned in Samaria twenty-two years. 

17. To whom was he married? 

To Jezebel, a wicked Zidonian woman. 

18. What was the character of Ahab ? 

He followed the wicked and idolatrous practices of his 
wife, and did more to provoke God to anger than all the 
kings of Israel that were before him. 



LESSON XLIX. 



1. To what place did Elijah go after he had uttered his prophecy ? 
The Lord directed him to flee to the brook Cherith and 

drink of the brook. 

2. How was he provided with food ? 

The Lord commanded ravens to feed him. 

3. What did they bring him ? 

They brought him bread and flesh every morning and 
evening. 



96 BIBLE GEMS. 

4. How were his wants supplied after the brook was dried up? 
He was directed to go to Zarephath, where the Lord 

commanded a widow to sustain him. 

5. Where did he find the woman ? 

At the gate of the city, gathering sticks. 

6. What did he say to her ? 

" Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that 
I may drink." 

7. What did he say to her when she was going for the water ? 

" Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine 
hand." 

8. What did the woman answer him ? 

" As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but a 
handful of meal in a barrel and a little oil in a cruse; 
and behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in 
and dress it for me and my son." 

9. What did Elijah say? 

He told her not to fear, but to make him thereof a 
little cake; "For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, 
The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the 
cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth 
rain upon the earth." 

10. How did the woman show her faith? 

She did as the prophet said ; " and she and he and her 
house did eat many days." 

11. What afterward happened to the widow's son? 
He took sick and his breath left him. 

12. What did Elijah do with the child? 

He carried him up into a loft, and when he had laid 
him upon his own bed he cried unto the Lord. 

13. What were the words of his prayer? 

He stretched himself upon the child three times and 
said, " O Lord my God, I pray thee let this child's soul 
come into him again." 



FIRST KINGS. 97 

14. What was the effect of Elijah's prayer? 

The soul of the child returned to him, and he revived. 

15. When did Elijah return to Ahab with a promise of rain 
from the Lord ? 

In the third year after this. 

16. Whom did he meet on the way ? 
Obadiah, the governor of Ahab's house. 

17. What was the character of Obadiah? 
He feared the Lord greatly. 

18. W r hat act of kindness did he show when Jezebel, Ahab's 
wicked wife, destroyed the prophets of the Lord ? 

He hid one hundred of them in a cave and fed them 
with bread and water. 

19. How did Ahab afterward meet Elijah? 

He came in anger, saying, " Art thou he that troubleth 
Israel ?" 

20. What answer did Elijah return ? 

" I have not troubled Israel, but thou and thy father's 
; house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of 
the Lord and thou hast followed Baalim." 



LESSON L. 



1. What did Elijah request of Ahab ? 

To call together all Israel unto Mount Carmel, and all 
the prophets of Baal. 

2. When Ahab had done so, what did Elijah say ? 

"How long halt ye between two opinions? If the 
Lord be God, follow him ; but if Baal, then follow him." 

3. What did the people say? 

" They answered him not a word." 

4. What did Elijah then say ? 

"I only remain a prophet of the Lord, but BaaPs 
prophets are four hundred and fifty men." 
9 G 



98 BIBLE GEMS. 

5. What did he propose to the people ? 

That the prophets of Baal and he should each offer a 
bullock upon an altar, and put no fire under; they 
should call on the names of their gods, and he on the 
name of the Lord. 

6. What was to be the sign of acceptance ? 

Elijah said, " The Lord that answereth by fire, let him 
be God." 

7. How did the people show their approval ? 

" All the people answered and said, It is well spoken." 

8. Who first prepared their offering ? 

The prophets of Baal ; " And they called on the name 
of Baal from morning even until noon." 

9. How did they offer their sacrifice ? 

They cried, "O Baal, hear us! But there was no 
voice nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the 
altar which was made." 

10. What did Elijah say? 

He mocked them, and said, " Cry aloud, for he is a 
god : either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is on 
a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be 
awaked." 

11. How did they again show their zeal? 

They cried again, and cut themselves with, knives and 
with lancets till the blood gushed out upon them. 

12. How long did they continue ? 

Until evening, when they found that their cry would 
not be regarded. 

13. What did Elijah then do? 

He called the people near to him and prepared for 
himself an altar in the name of the Lord. 

14. How did he prepare it ? 

He built it with twelve stones and made a trench 
about it. 



FIRST KINGS. 99 

15. When the wood was put in order and the offering prepared, 
what did Elijah command to be done? 

To pour an abundance of water over the sacrifice and 
the wood three times. 

16. For what purpose? 

To show that no fire was concealed in the wood. 

17. What did Elijah do when all things were ready ? 
He called on the name of the Lord. 

18. What token was given of the acceptance of his offering? 
"Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the 

burnt-sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the 
dust, and licked up the w T ater that was in the trench." 

19. What did the people say when they saw how the Lord an- 
swered by fire ? 

"They fell on their faces, and they said, The Lord, 
he is God ! the Lord, he is God I" 

20. What was the fate of the wicked prophets ? 

They were all slain by the brook Kishon that same 
day. 

21. How did the Lord show his approval of this punishment of 
idolatry ? 

He sent upon the land a refreshing rain. 



LESSON LI. 



1. Who threatened to take Elijah's life? 

Jezebel, having heard that he had slain the prophets. 

2. To what place did Elijah go ? 

He fled for his life into the wilderness. 

3. What occurred as he lay and slept under a juniper tree? 
An angel touched him, requesting him to eat and drink, 

and showed him a cake baked on the coals and a cruse 
of water at his head. 



100 BIBLE GEMS. 

4. What occurred when he had eaten and drtfnk and laid down 
a second time ? 

The angel appeared again saying, " Arise and eat, 
because the journey is too great for thee." 

5. To what mount did he go after he had eaten and drunk a 
second time ? 

To Horeb, the mount of God. 

6. How long did he journey in the strength of this meat ? 
Forty days and forty nights. 

7. Where did Elijah lodge after this ? 
In a cave of this mount, where he was alone and sad. 

8. What words did he hear while there ? 

The word of the Lord came to him, saying, " What 
doest thou here, Elijah?" 

9. What was Elijah's complaint? 

He lamented the sins of Israel, and the destruction of 
the Lord's prophets, and said, "I alone am left, and 
they seek my life to take it away." 

10. To what place did the Lord direct him to go? 

He said, " Go forth and stand upon the mount before 
the Lord." 

11. What then occurred ? 

" The Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind 
rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before 
the Lord." 

12. What other signs followed ? 

After the wind an earthquake, and after the earth- 
quake a fire, and after the fire a still, small voice. 

13. Was the Lord in the wind or in the earthquake or in the 
fire? 

He was not, but in the still, small voice. 

14. What did Elijah do when he heard the voice ? 

" He wrapped his face in a mantle, and went out and 
stood in the entering in of the cave." 



FIRST KINGS. 101 

15. What words did he hear a second time ? 
" What doest thou here, Elijah ? ,J 

16. What did Elijah say? 

He replied as at the first time. 

17. How did the Lord answer his complaint? 

He commanded him to return to Damascus and anoint 
Hazael to be king over Syria, and Jehu to be king over 
Israel ; also, Elisha to be a prophet in his place. 

18. What is said of Elijah's meeting with Elisha? 

He found Elisha ploughing with twelve oxen, and as he 
passed by him he cast his mantle upon him. 

19. How did Elisha show that he understood the call ? 
Leaving his oxen in the field, he went to bid farewell 

to his father and mother, and followed Elijah. 



LESSON LII. 

1. What king of Syria besieged Samaria during the reign of 
Ahab ? 

Ben-hadad. 

2. What is said of Ben-hadad's army ? 

He had with him thirty-two kings, and horses and 
chariots, and all his host. 

3. How was Ben-hadad surprised ? 

While he was drinking with his kings in the pavilion, 
Ahab made an attack upon him, cut off a large portion 
of the Syrian army and put the rest to flight. 

4. What became of Ben-hadad ? 
He escaped upon a horse. 

- 5. When after this did the king of Syria again lay siege to Sa- 
maria ? 

In about one year. 

6. What place did he select for the battle ? 
He chose the plain, thinking their gods would favor 
I them in the plain rather than in the hills. 
9 * 



102 BIBLE GEMS. 

7. What is said of his forces ? 
Instead of kings, he took captains, and his army was 

very vast. 

8. Who were victorious ? 
God gave Ahab the victory, and the Syrians lost one 

hundred thousand footmen in one day, besides twenty 
seven thousand who were killed by a wall which fel. 
upon them. 

9. What was done with Ben-hadad ? 
After being brought in a chariot, and making a treaty 

with Ahab, he went his way. 

10. What is said of the covetous spirit of Ahab? 
He greatly coveted a vineyard belonging to Naboth, 

which he refused to sell. 

11. Why was Naboth unwilling to sell it? 
Because it was an inheritance of his father. 

12. How did Ahab show his disappointment ? 
He lay upon his bed and refused to eat. 

13. What was done by Jezebel, Ahab's wife ? 

She caused Naboth to be slain, that her husband might 
obtain the vineyard. 

14. What judgment was pronounced against Ahab by Elijah ? 
He said, " Thus saith the Lord, In the place where 

dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick thy 
blood, even thine." 

15. What did he say of Jezebel ? 

" The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel." 



SECOND KINGS. 

LESSON LIII. 

1. Name the twelfth book of the Old Testament ? 
Second Kings. 



SECOND KINGS. 103 

2. What does this book contain ? 

It continues the history of Israel and Judah till they 
were both destroyed and the people carried into cap- 
tivity. 

3. The sickness of what king is mentioned in the beginning of 
this book ? 

That of Ahaziah, who was the son and successor of 
Ahab. 

4. What caused his sickness ? 

He had fallen through a lattice in his upper chamber. 

5. What did he do in his affliction ? 

He sent to Ekron to inquire of an idol whether he 
should recover. 

6. By whom were his messengers met ? 

By the prophet Elijah, who informed them that Aha- 
ziah would die. 

7. What did the king do when the messengers returned with this 
information ? 

Supposing from their account that Elijah was the man 
they met, he at once sent an officer and fifty men to seize 
him. 

8. Where was Elijah when the king's officer met him? 
He was sitting on the brow of a hill. 

9. What was the fate of the officer and his men ? 

At the prayer of Elijah, they were all consumed by 
fire from heaven. 

10. What was the fate of a second officer and his party of fifty 
men? 

They were consumed in like manner. 

11. How was it with the third party? 

The officer fell on his knees before Elijah and besought 
him to spare his life and the lives of his men. 

12. Were they spared ? 

They were ; and Elijah returned with them to the 
king and told him he should not recover. 



104 BIBLE GEMS. 



13. Who reigned after the death of Ahaziah ? 
Jehoram, his brother. 

14. What is foretold of Elijah in the second chapter of this 
book? 

Tbat he should be taken into heaven by a whirlwind. 






LESSON Liv. 



1. Who accompanied Elijah to Gilgal? 
Elisha. 

2. What is said of Elisha when at different times Elijah desired 
him to tarry when on their way? 

He said, "As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, 
I will not leave thee." 

3. What miracle occurred when they came to Jordan ? 
Elijah smote the waters with his mantle, and they were 

divided, so that they both went over on dry ground. 

4. What did Elijah say to Elisha when they had gone over ? 
"Ask what I shall do for thee before I be taken away 

from thee." 

5. What did Elisha request ? 

He said, "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy 
spirit be upon me." 

6. On what condition did Elijah grant his request? 

He said, " If thou see me when I am taken from thee, 
it shall be so unto thee." 

7. What occurred while they were still together, talking? 

" There appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire, 
and parted them both asunder, and Elijah went up by a 
whirlwind into heaven." 

8. What is said of Elisha? 

"And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father! my 
father! the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof!" 



SECOND KINGS. 105 

9. What is said of Elijah's mantle? 

It fell from him, and Elisha took it up. 

10. How did it appear that the spirit of Elijah was upon 
him ? 

When he came back to the Jordan he also smote the 
waters with this mantle, and they parted and he went 
over. 

11. What was said by the sons of the prophets, who witnessed 
the whole scene ? 

"The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha." 

12. W T hat miracle did Elisha perform at Jericho? 

He healed the waters of the city and caused the ground 
to be fruitful. 

13. W T hat happened as he was going up from Jericho to Bethel? 
" There came forth little children out of the city and 

mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head ! 
go up, thou bald head I" 

14. How were they punished for their wicked conduct ? 

" There came forth two she-bears out of the wood and 
tare forty-and-two children of them." 



LESSON LV. 

1. The history of whose reign is next given ? 

The reign of Jehoram, son of Ahab and Jezebel. 

2. What was his character ? 

He was wicked, though not like his father and mother, 
"for he put away the image of Baal which his father 
had made." 

3. Who rebelled against Israel during the reign of Jehoram ? 
Mesha, the king of Moab. 

4. What other kings went with Jehoram against Moab ? 
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, and the king of 

Edom. 



106 BIBLE GEMS. 

5. What distress came upon these kings when they were prepar- 
ing for the conflict? 

They were in danger of perishing for want of water. 

6. To whom did they go for relief? 
To the prophet Elisha. 

7. For whose sake did Elisha regard their request? 

For the sake of Jehoshaphat, the pious king of Judah. 

8. What curious instance is here mentioned of the influence of 
music ? 

He called for a minstrel, and when the minstrel had 
played the hand of the Lord came upon him. 

9. How were they supplied with water ? 

Elisha commanded that they should make the valley 
full of ditches, and without wind or rain they were filled 
with water. 

10. What other blessing was promised them by the prophet? 
He said that the Moabites should be delivered into 

their hands. 

11. How were the Moabites deceived by the appearance of the 
water ? 

Early in the morning they saw the water on the other 
side, and in the light of the sun it was red as blood. 

12. What did they say ? 

"The kings are surely slain, and they have smitten 
one another ; now, therefore, Moab, to the spoil." 

13. What occurred when they came to the camp ? 

They were smitten by the Israelites, so that they fled 
before them. 

14. What did the king of Moab do when he saw that they were 
completely defeated ? 

" He took his eldest son, that should have reigned in 
his stead, and offered him for a burnt-offering upon the 
wall." 



SECOND KINGS. 107 



LESSON LVI. 



1. What is said of the widow of one of the sons of the prophets 
who came to Elisha ? 

She was troubled because the creditor had come to take 
away her two sons to be bondmen. 

2. What did Elisha say to her ? 

"What shall I do for thee? Tell me, what hast thou 
in the house ?" 

3. What did she answer? 

" Thine handmaid hath not anything in the house save 
a pot of oil." 

4. What miracle was then wrought by the prophet ? 

He increased the oil so that she had enough to sell to 
pay the debt, and to keep herself and her children. 

5. What is said of Elisha when he came to the city of Shunam ? 
A kind woman there constrained him to eat bread. 

6. What did the woman say to her husband after she had fre- 
quently entertained the prophet ? 

"I perceive that this is a holy man of God which 
passeth by us continually." 

7. What did she propose to do ? 

She said : " Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, 
on the wall, and let us set for him there a bed and a 
table and a stool and a candlestick, and it shall be, when 
he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither." 

8. How did Elisha show his gratitude for the woman's kindness? 
He offered to use his influence for her in the king's 

court. 

9. Did she accept it ? 

She did not, but answered, " I dwell among my own 
people." 

10. What domestic event did he foretell to her ? 
He predicted that she should have a son. 



108 BIBLE GEMS. 

11. Did the woman believe the prophet? 

She did not, yet in due time his word was fulfilled. 

12. What befell this child when he was out in the field with the 
reapers ? 

He was overcome with the heat and went to his father, 
saying, " My head ! my head !" 

13. What followed? 

His father had him taken home to his mother, and he 
sat upon her knees until noon, and then died. 

14. What did the woman do with the child? 

She laid him upon Elisha's bed ; then went in . haste 
and brought the prophet, who restored the child to 
life. 

15. What miracle was wrought by Elisha on a mess of pot- 
tage ? 

He healed some deadly pottage which his servant had 
prepared for the sons of the prophets. 

16. How, at another time, did he increase a quantity of bread? 
He satisfied one hundred men with twenty small loaves 

of barley, and there was some left. 



LESSON LVII. 



1. What distinguished man was cured by Elisha? 
He healed Naaman of his leprosy. 

2. Who was Naaman ? 

He w r as a Syrian general of great distinction. 

3. What induced him to go to Elisha? 

He had heard of the prophet through a little maid 
who had been taken captive from among the Israelites, 
and was living in his family. 

4. Plow did he approach the house of the prophet? 

He came in his chariot with great pomp, bringing with 
him many attendants and valuable presents. 



SECOND KINGS. 109 

5. What was he directed to do for his leprosy? 

The prophet sent a messenger to request him to wash 
seven times in the river Jordan. 

6. What did he think of this simple remedy ? 

He was greatly displeased and said, " Are not Abana 
and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the 
rivers of Israel ? may I not wash in them and be clean ?" 

7. What did one of his servants say to him when he was about 
to go away ? 

u My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great 
thing, wouldst thou not have done it? how much rather, 
then, when he saith to thee, Wash and be clean ?" 

8. How was he healed ? 

Being at last persuaded to do as the prophet had said, 
" his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, 
and he was clean." 

9. What did he do when he was healed? 

He appeared before the prophet w r ith all his company 
and blest the God of Israel ; he also offered a reward, 
which the prophet refused. 

10. What is said of Gehazi, Elisha's servant? 

When he saw that his master refused to take the gift, 
he followed after Naaman and by a falsehood obtained a 
portion of it. 

11. What was his punishment? 

The disease of Naaman, w T hich had just been cured, 
was visited upon Gehazi. 

12. What is related of the sons of the prophets who dwelt with 
Elisha? 

Their dwelling being too small, they conferred w^ith 
Elisha about building a larger one. 

13. What plan did they propose? 

To go to the river Jordan, and take every man a beam, 
and thus erect their building. 

10 



110 BIBLE GEMS. 

14. What happened as one was felling a tree? 

The axe-head fell into the water ; and he cried and 
said, " Alas, master ! for it was borrowed." 

15. What miracle was wrought by the prophet? 

When they showed him the place, he cast in a stick, 
and the iron rose to the top, and they took it up. 



LESSON LVIII. 



1. What king, having taken sick at Damascus, sent a present 
to Elisha ? 

Ben-hadad, king of Syria. 

2. Where did Elisha happen to be at this time ? 
At Damascus. 

3. By whom was the present sent? 
By Hazael. 

4. What was the object of Hazael's mission? 

To inquire of the prophet whether the king would 
recover from his sickness. 

5. Who was Hazael ? 

He was an officer in the court of Syria, whom Elijah 
had been commanded to anoint as successor to Ben-hadad. 

6. What word did the prophet send to the king by Hazael? 
He said, " Go ; say unto him, Thou mayest certainly 

recover ; howbeit the Lord hath showed me that he shall 
surely die." 

7. What did he predict concerning Hazael ? 

That he would be elevated to the throne of Syria, and 
be guilty of the most horrible cruelties toward the chil- 
dren of Israel. 

8. What did Hazael reply to the prophet's prediction ? 

" But what ! is thy servant a dog, that he should do 
this great thing?" 



SECOND KINGS. Ill 

9. What did Hazael do to the king the next day after he had 
brought him the word of the prophet? 

"He took a thick cloth and dipped it in water and 
spread it on his face, so that he died." 

10. Where is recorded the sickness of Elisha whereof he died ? 
In the thirteenth chapter of this book. 

11. What king wept over him? 
Joash, the king of Israel. 

12. What did Joash exclaim? 

" O my father, my father ! the chariot of Israel, and 
the horsemen thereof!" 

13. What success did Elisha foretell to Joash before he died ? 
That he should have three victories over the Syrians. 

14. Who are meant by the Syrians ? 

The people of Syria, a country north-east of Canaan. 

15. What cities were at different times its capital ? 
Zobah and Damascus. 



LESSON LIX. 



1 . What was to be a token of the king's success ? 

Elisha directed him to take bow and arrows, and to 
put his hand upon the bow; and Elisha put his hands 
upon the king's hands. 

2. What command did Elisha then give? 

To open the window eastward and shoot. 

3. When the king had obeyed, what did Elijah say ? 

" The arrow of the Lord's deliverance, and the arrow 
of deliverance from Syria; for thou shalt smite the 
Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them." 

4. What did Elisha next bid the king do ? 

To smite with the arrows upon the ground. 

5. How often did he smite ? 
Three times. 



112 BIBLE GEMS. 

6. What did the prophet say to him ? 

" The man of God was wroth with him and said, Thou 
shouldest have smitten five or six times." 

7. Wherefore? 

"Then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst con- 
sumed it, whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice." 

8. Who invaded the land after the death of Elisha ? 
The Moabites. 

9. What occurred as the Israelites were burying a man? 
Seeing a band of men coming, and fearing the Moab- 
ites, the bearers cast the body into Elisha's sepulchre. 

10. What miracle then occurred ? 

" When the man was let down, and touched the bones 
of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet." 

11. What king of Judah spoiled the holy temple? 
Ahaz. 

12. In what manner ? 

He took the silver and the gold out of the house of the 
Lord "and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria." 

13. What else did he do to the temple? 

He made changes in the furniture and had an altar 
made, modeled after an idolatrous one he had seen at 
Damascus. 

14. Whom did he direct to make it? 
Urijah the priest. 

15. How did the king worship at this altar? 

He offered sacrifice unto the idol gods of Damascus. 



LESSON LX. 



1. Where is the first mention of the captivity of Israel? 
In the seventeenth chapter of this book. 

2. Who was king of Israel at this time? 
Hoshea. 



SECOND KINGS. 113 

3. By whom were the Israelites attacked ? 

By Shalmanezer, king of Assyria, who went up to 
Samaria and besieged it three years. 

4. What is known of Assyria ? 

It was a powerful empire of Asia, of which Nineveh 
was the chief city. 

5. What took place in the ninth year of Hoshea ? 

King Shalmanezer took Samaria- and carried Israel 
away into Assyria, and placed them in the cities of the 
Medes. 

6. How was this ruin brought upon Israel ? 
By their sins. 

7. What sins had they committed ? 

"They walked in the statutes of the heathen and 
served idols, whereof the Lord had said unto them, Ye 
shall not do this thing." 

8. What troubles are mentioned to have come upon Judah ? 
They were also invaded by the Assyrians. 

9. Who was king of Judah at this time ? 
Hezekiah. 

10. What occurred in the fourteenth year of his reign ? 
"Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came up against all 

the fenced cities of Judah and took them." 

11. What tribute did Sennacherib demand of Hezekiah? 
Three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of 

gold. 

12. What payment did Hezekiah make him ? 

"He gave him all the silver that was found in the 
house of the Lord and in the treasures of the king's 
house." 

13. What next was Sennacherib's purpose ? 
To make an attack on the capital. 

14. Did he succeed ? 

He did not. Hezekiah made supplication to God for 
deliverance, and his prayer was answered. 
10* H 



114 BIBLE GEMS. 

15. Who foretold the destruction of the Assyrians ? 
The prophet Isaiah. 

16. What was the fate of their army ? 

An angel of the Lord entered their camp in the night 
and slew one hundred and eighty-five thousand. 

17. What is said of Sennacherib? 
He hastily fled to Nineveh. 

18. What was his fate at last ? 

He was murdered by his own sons while he was en- 
gaged in idolatrous worship. 

19. What is again said of Hezekiah? 

He was taken sick, but was restored in answer to 
prayer. 

20. What were sent to him by the king of Babylon ? 
Kind letters and a present. 

21. How did Hezekiah receive the king's messengers? 

Very kindly, and he showed them all his valuable 
treasures. 

22. What did Isaiah predict concerning him ? 

That at a future day all that was in his house should 
be carried to Babylon, and his own sons become servants 
in the palace of the king. 






LESSON LXI. 



1. What is known of Babylon ? 

It was the capital and chief city of Chaldea. 

2. Where is the land of Chaldea? 

It is a country in Asia, situated between the rivers 
Euphrates and Tigris. 

3. What are we told of the situation of Babylon ? 

It was built on both sides of the river Euphrates. 

4. How were the two parts of the city connected ? 
By a bridge of wonderful construction. 



SECOND KINGS. 115 

5. For what was the city remarkable? 
For its extent and grandeur. 

6. What is said of its form and size ? 

It was square, and extended fifteen miles in length and 
breadth. 

7. What was the number of its streets? 

There were fifty streets crossing each other at right 
angles. 

8. By what was the city surrounded? 

By a wall of brick eighty-seven feet thick and three 
hundred and fifty feet high. 

9. What is said of the gates of the city ? 

Each of the four sides of the great wall had twenty- 
five gates of solid brass. 

10. Describe the wall built on each side of the river ? 

It was a high wall, and of the same thickness with the 
walls around the city. 

11. What is said of the gates of these walls? 

They were made of brass, fifty in number, correspond- 
ing with the streets which led to the river. 

12. Who reigned after Hezekiah? 
His son Manasseh. 

13. What is known of Manasseh's reign ? 

The early part of it was remarkable for acts of impiety 
and cruelty, which brought upon the country God's 
judgments. 

14. How was the wickedness of Manasseh punished ? 

He was taken captive by the Assyrian king, and car- 
i ried to Babylon. 

15. Was he ever liberated ? 

Upon his repentance and prayer he was released, and 
returned to his capital, where he died. 

16. Who succeeded Manasseh ? 
His son Amon. 



116 BIBLE GEMS. 



17. What is known of Anion ? 
He was a wicked king, and died in his own house by 
the hands of his servants, who conspired against him. 






LESSON LXII. 



1. Who reigned after Amon ? 
His son Josiah. 

2. For what was he remarkable ? 
For his integrity and piety. 

3. Can you mention some of his acts? 

When he was yet young, he began to remove idolatry 
from Judah, and in the eighteenth year of his reign he 
commenced a thorough repair of the temple. 

4. What was discovered in the progress of this work ? 
Hilkiah, the high priest, found a complete copy of the 

law of Moses. 

5. Was Josiah acquainted with this law? 

Very imperfectly, until it was read to him by one of 
his scribes. 

6. How was he affected when he heard the law ? 

He was overwhelmed with grief to find how far the 
people and their fathers had departed from the right way. 

7. Through whom did he seek to know the purpose of God ? 
Through Huldah, the prophetess. 

8. What was the word of the Lord to Huldah ? 

He declared he would bring evil upon the place and 
its inhabitants because of their idolatry. 

9. What did he say of Josiah ? 

He said, because of the tenderness of his heart and 
his humility, he should be gathered unto his fathers 
before the evil time came. 

10. What act of King Josiah is next mentioned ? 

He assembled the people in the house of the Lord and 
published the law in their hearing. 



SECOND KINGS. 117 

11. What promise was made by the people? 

They all united with the king in a solemn vow of obe- 
dience. 

12. How did Josiah show his zeal for the Lord ? 

He destroyed every vestige of idolatry, and caused the 
feast of the passover to be celebrated with great solemnity. 

13. Can you give an account of the close of Josiah's life ? 

He went against Pharaoh-necho, king of Egypt, who 
passed 'over his territory in going to make war with the 
Assyrians. 

14. What was the fate of Josiah? 

He was slain at Megiddo, and his servants brought him 
home to Jerusalem in a chariot, and buried him in his 
own sepulchre. 
j 15. Who was Josiah's successor ? 

Jehoahaz. 

16. Was he the rightful heir to the throne? 

He was not, being the fourth son of Josiah. 

17. What was his fate? 

After a reign of about three months, he was seized by 
! Pharaoh-necho, who sent htm, loaded with chains, into 
Egypt, where he died. 

18. Who succeeded Jehoahaz? 

His brother Jehoiakim, who was placed on the throne 
by the king of Egypt. 

19. How long was he subject to the king of Egypt? 
Four years. 

20. To whom was he afterward subject? 

He was for three years the servant of Nebuchadnezzar, 
king of Babylon, who then set him at liberty and allowed 
him to reign at Jerusalem as a tributary prince. 

21. What was the whole period of his reign ? 
Eleven years. 



118 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON LXIII. 



1. Who reigned after Jehoiakim ? 
His son Jehoiachin. 

2. How long was his reign ? 
About three months. 

3. What occurred at the close of his reign ? 
The city of Jerusalem was besieged by Nebuchadne: 

zar, the king of Babylon. 

4. Who were carried away by Nebuchadnezzar ? 
The king and his family, and the principal part of the 

nation. 

5. What besides ? 

The furniture of the temple and all the royal treasures. 

6. Who succeeded Jehoiachin ? 

Zedekiah, who was Jehoiachin's uncle, and the last 
king of Judah. 

7. Who placed him upon the throne ? 
The king of Babylon. 

8. How long did Zedekiah reign ? 
Eleven years. 

9. For what was the nation noted during his reign ? 
For being bold and hardened in sin. 

10. What occurred in the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign? 
Zedekiah revolted against Nebuchadnezzar. 

11. What was the consequence? 

The king of Babylon led an army into Judah and took 
all the fortified places. 

12. When was the city of Jerusalem taken ? 

In the eleventh year of Zedekiah's reign, on the ninth 
day of the fourth month, corresponding to our July. 

13. What is said of the king and his people? 

They endeavored to escape by night, but were over- 
taken by the Chaldeans in the plain of Jericho. 



SECOND KINGS. 119 

14. To what place was the king taken ? 

He was brought before the king of Babylon at Riblah. 

15. What was the fate of Zedekiah and his family ? 
Zedekiah's sons were slain in his presence, his eyes 

were put out and he was bound with fetters of brass and 
carried to Babylon. 

16. What was the fate of the Holy City? 

The walls were broken down and the magnificent 
temple and all the palaces burned. 

17. What was done with the people who escaped the sword ? 
They were carried away to Babylon to be servants to 

the king. 

18. Which of the inhabitants were left behind ? 

Some of the poor of the land were left to be vine- 
dressers and husbandmen. 

19. What was done with several priests and officers and sixty 
men of the land, who were found in the city ? 

They were taken to the king of Babylon at Riblah 
and were slain. 

20. Whom did Nebuchadnezzar place over the land after it had 
been subdued ? 

Gedaliah. 

21. What was his fate afterward ? 

He was assassinated by a party of the royal family of 
Judah led by Ishmael. 

22. What account closes the Second Book of Kings ? 

That of Jehoiachin, formerly one of the kings of 
Judah. 

23. What is said of him? 

He was released from prison in the thirty-seventh year 
of his captivity. 

24. Who was king of Babylon at this time? 
Evil-meroclach, the son and successor of Nebuchad- 
nezzar. 



120 BIBLE GEMS. 

25. How did Evil-merodach treat Jehoiachin? 
He spoke kindly to him, changed his prison garments 
and treated him with great regard through life. 



LESSON LXIV. — Recapitulation. 

1. What three kings reigned successively over united Israel? 
Saul, David and Solomon. 

2. How many kings reigned over Israel after the division of the 
kingdom ? 

Nineteen. 

3. What was their character? 
They were mostly wicked. 

4. Will you name the first seven ? 

Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri and 
Ahab. 

5. The next six ? 

Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, Joash and Jero- 
boam Second. 

6. The last six ? 

Zachariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah and 
Hoshea. 

7. What was the number of the kings of Judah? 
Nineteen. 

8. Will you name the first five, and briefly give the character of 
each ? 

Rehoboam the simple, Abijah the valiant, Asa the up- 
right, Jehoshaphat the religious and Jehoram the wicked. 

9. The next five? 

Ahaziah the profane, Joash the backslider, Amaziah 
the rash, Azariah the mighty and Jotham the peaceable. 

10. The next five? 

Ahaz the idolater, Hezekiah the reformer, Manasseh 
the penitent, Amon the obscure and Josiah the tender- 
hearted. 



CHRONICLES. 121 

11. The last four? 

Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah, all 
wicked, and such as brought ruin upon themselves and 
their kingdom. 

12. Who was the only queen among the monarchs of Judah? 
Athaliah. 

13. Where does her name occur among the rest? 
After Ahaziah, who was her son. 

14. What was her character? 
She was dreadfully wicked. 

15. Who is supposed to have written the books of Kings ? 
Ezra. 

Chronicles. — 16. Which is the thirteenth book of the Bible? 
First Chronicles. 

17. Which is the fourteenth ? 
Second Chronicles. 

18. What is the meaning of the word Chronicle? 

It means an account of facts and events in the order 
of time. 

19. What seems to have been the principal object of the author 
of these books ? 

To show from the public records the state of the differ- 
ent families of God's people before the captivity and the 
distribution of the lands among them. 

20. How may this portion of the Old Testament be considered ? 
As a brief summary of all the sacred history, but more 

especially from the origin of the Jewish nation to their 
return from the first captivity. 

21. W r hat length of time is embraced in this history? 

A period of nearly three thousand five hundred 
years. 

22. The history of what books is in part repeated in the Chron- 
icles ? 

Second Samuel and First and Second Kings. 
11 



122 BIBLE GEMS. 

23. Is it known who wrote the books of Chronicles ? 
It is not, but they appear to be compiled from the 
national diaries or journals. 



EZKA. 

LESSON LXV. 



1. Name the fifteenth book of the Bible. 

Ezra, which is a continuation of Jewish history during 
a period of seventy nine years. 

2. Who wrote this book ? 
Ezra himself. 

3. What is the meaning of the name Ezra? 
It signifies a helper. 

4. How was Ezra regarded by the ancient Jews? • 

He was held in great honor as a scribe and historian. 

5. What are the leading events recorded in the book of Ezra ? 
We have an account of the Jews' return from cap- 
tivity and of the rebuilding of the temple. 

6. Who had predicted that the Jews would be brought back ? 
The prophet Jeremiah. 

7. Of what was Ezra the restorer and publisher after the Jews' 
return ? 

Of the Holy Scriptures. 

8. Who had ordered the return of the Jews to their own land ? 
Cyrus, king of Persia. 

9. With what did Cyrus furnish the Jews? 
With the means of rebuilding their temple. 

10. What can you say of the fame of Cyrus? 
He was a conqueror of great renown. 

11. What is known of his conquests? 
They extended over all Western Asia. 



EZRA. 123 

12. Which was the most noted of them all ? 

The conquest of Babylon, which led to the deliverance 
of God's people. 

13. What is known of the conquest of Babylon ? 

The city was besieged by the victorious armies of Cyrus 
for two years. 

14. In what manner was it finally taken ? 

On the night of a festival in Babylon the waters of the 
Euphrates, which ran through the city, were turned aside, 
and the army of Cyrus passed through the empty channel 
under the walls into the city. 

15. How were they able to pass through the walls which guarded 
the banks of the river ? 

The gates of the streets had been carelessly left open 
during the festival. 

16. Who was king of Babylon at this time ? 
Belshazzar. 

17. What was his doom? 

He was slain while attempting to make resistance, and 
his magnificent city fell into the hands of the Medes. 



LESSON LXVI. 



1. How long had the Jews lived in captivity? 
Seventy years. 

2. When did they return to their own land ? 
About five hundred years before Christ. 

3. What was their number at this time ? 
Nearly fifty thousand. 

4. What treasures did the Jews carry back with them to Canaan? 
The sacred vessels of the holy temple, which had been 

taken by Nebuchadnezzar. 

5. When did they build an altar and renew their worship ? 
In the seventh month after their return. 



124 BIBLE GEMS. 

6. When did they commence to build the temple? 
In the second month of the second year. 

7. What was done when the foundation of the temple was laid ? 
" They sang together by course in praising and giving 

thanks unto the Lord." 

8. With what instruments did they praise the Lord ? 

The priests with trumpets and the Levites with cym- 
bals. 

9. What is said of many of the priests and Levites who were 
aged men and had seen the first temple? 

They wept, while others shouted aloud for joy. 

10. What was difficult to discern ? 

" The noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the 
weeping of the people." 

11. Who hindered the Jews in the building of the temple? 
The Samaritans, who were their bitter enemies. 

12. What deceitful measures did they propose ? 

They offered to build with them, only thereby to retard 
their work. 

13. What did they do when their offer was refused ? 

They troubled them in building, and hired counsellors 
against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of 
Cyrus, even until the reign of Darius. 

14. How did the Samaritans cause the work to be delayed in the 
days of Artaxerxes, king of Persia. 

They wrote to Artaxerxes an accusation against the 
inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 

15. What answer did the king return ? 

He decreed that the Jews should cease their work until 
another command should be given from him. 

16. For how long a time was the work suspended ? 
Probably about twelve or fifteen years, until the second 

year of Darius, king of Persia. 



EZRA. 125 



LESSON LXVII. 

1. "Who earnestly entreated the Jews, in God's name, to resume 
the work of building? 

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah. 

2. Who tried to stop them ? 
Tatnai and his companions. 

3. Who was Tatnai? 

He was a Persian governor on the west side of the river 
Euphrates. 

4. In what manner did they seek to hinder them ? 
They sent a letter to Darius against the Jews. 

5. What request did Tatnai make of Darius? 

That search might be made in the king's treasure-house, 
whether it be so that a decree was made of Cyrus the 
king to build this house of God. 

6. What word did the king return to Tatnai and his company 
when he had found the record ? 

" Be ye far from thence. Let the work of this house 
of God alone ; let the governor of the Jews and the 
elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place." 

7. W T hat besides was decreed by the king ? 

That they should be supplied with the means of build- 
ing, and with animals for their burnt-offerings. 

8. With what penalty did he enforce his decree ? 

He said, " Whosoever shall alter this word, let timber 
be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him 
be hanged thereon." 

9. When was the building finished ? 

" In the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king." 

10. What were the offerings at the dedication of the temple ? 
"A hundred bullocks, two hundred rams and four 

hundred lambs." 
n * 



Il2(> BIBLE GEMS, 

11. What for a sin-offering tor all Israel? 

"Twelve he-goats, according to the number ol* the 
tribes of Israel." 

12. What least did they keep? 
The feast ot' the passover. 

13. What distinguished person came from Babylon to Jerusa- 
lem the year after the temple was finished? 

Ezra. 

14. What is said of his purpose? 

u For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of 
the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and 
judgments." 

15. What kind permission was granted him by Artaxerxes? 
That he might take with him such of his countrymen 

as chose to follow him. 

16. With what treasures was he entrusted for the house of God ? 
With gold and silver, which were freely given by the 

king and his counselors, and collected from the king's 
subjects. 

17. What orders were given to the treasurers beyond the river? 
That whatsoever Ezra might require for the cause ot l 

God should be promptly given to him. 

IS. Who were to be exempted from tribute or taxation? 
All ministers oi the temple. 



X E II E M I A II . 

LESSON LXVIIT. 
1. WHICH IS the sixteenth book of the Old Testament? 

Nehemiah. 

'2. What doe- this book contain? 

The latest records of the Jewish nation till the time ot^ 
Christ 



NEHEMIAH. 127 

3. Who wrote thi.s book? 
Nehemiah. 

4. Who was Xehemiah ? 

He was a Jew of distinguished piety and zeal, born in 
captivity. 

5. To what position was he raised ? 

To that of cup-bearer to Artaxerxes, king of Persia. 

6. What is said of his distress on hearing of the deplorable con- 
dition of his countrymen ? 

He wept and mourned, and prayed to the God of 
heaven. 

7. What commission was granted him at his own request ? 
To visit Jerusalem and repair its walls. 

8. To what office was he appointed ? 
That of governor. 

9. With what guard did the king send him ? 
AVith captains of the army and horsemen. 

10. How were the enemies of the Jews affected by Xehemiah's 
arrival ? 

" It grieved them exceedingly that there was come a 
man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel." 

11. How did he examine the state of the city walls ? 
Secretly, by night, taking but a few men with him. 

12. Who laughed the Jews to scorn when they had agreed to 
commence the work of repair ? 

Sanballat and his company. 

13. Who was Sanballat? 

A governor of Samaria. 

14. How did Xehemiah answer them ? 

" The God of heaven, he will prosper us ; therefore we 
his servants will arise and build." 

15. What disposition was shown by Sanballat when he saw that 
the work was going forward ? 

He was very angry, and mocked the Jews. 



128 BIBLE GEMS. 

16. How did he express his indignation? 

He said, "What do these feeble Jews?" and sneer- 
ingly asked if they would finish the work in a day, and 
revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish. 

17. What did Tobiah the Ammonite say ? 

" Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall 
even break down their stone wall. ,, 

18. How did the adversaries try to hinder the work ? 

" They conspired all of them together to come and to 
fight against Jerusalem." 

] 9. By what means were the Jews protected ? 

They made prayer unto God, and set a watch against 
their enemies day and night. 

20. How were they enabled to go on with their work ? 

The laborers carried arms of defence, every one having 
his sword girded by his side. 






LESSON LXIX. 



1. What troubles had the Jews after this among themselves ? 
Some of them were oppressed by their brethren. 

2. How were they oppressed ? 

In consequence of a dearth they were compelled to 
borrow money and mortgage their property. 

3. What was exacted from them by their oppressors ? 
Usury or interest. 

4. What was the law of Moses in regard to this matter ? 

It prohibited the Jews from taking interest of each 
other for the loan of money or anything else. 

5. How did Nehemiah favor the cause of the oppressed? 

He rebuked the usurers, and caused them to restore to 
their brethren all their lands and their houses, and part 
of their money. 



NEHEMIAH. 129 

6. How was Nehemiah himself an example of generosity and 
benevolence ? 

He administered the government of Jerusalem twelve 
years without salary, and in a manner very expensive to 
himself. 

7. Who again vainly tried to hinder the rebuilding of the wall? 
Sanballat and Tobiah. 

8. After what length of time was the work finished ? 
Fifty-two days. 

9. How were their enemies affected when they heard thereof? 

" They were much cast down in their own eyes, for 
they perceived that this work was wrought of our God." 

10. To whom did Nehemiah commit the charge of Jerusalem ? 
To his brother Hanani, and Hananiah, the ruler of the 

palace. 

11. What is said about the reading of the law? 

At the request of the people, who were gathered to- 
gether in great numbers, Ezra brought the law and read 
it in their hearing from morning until midday. 

12. Upon what was Ezra standing? 

" Upon a pulpit of wood which they had made for the 
purpose." 

13. Who were standing beside him ? 

Thirteen priests — six on his right hand and seven on 
his left. 

14. How did the people show their regard for the law? 
When Ezra opened the book, they all stood up. 

15. How did they unite in their worship ? 

" And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all 
the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their 
hands." 

16. W T ho came to Ezra the next day again to hear the law ex- 
pounded ? 

The chief of the fathers, the priests and the Levites. 

I 



130 BIBLE GEMS. 

17. What portion of the law did Ezra explain to them ? 
That which relates to the feast of tabernacles. 

18. Why had this feast been appointed ? 

In memory of the journeying of the Israelites through 
the wilderness when they dwelt in booths or tents. 

19. How did the people show their willingness to obey the law? 
They went forth and gathered branches of trees, and ' 

made themselves booths as was commanded. 

20. What is said of this feast? 

There had none been kept like it since the days of 
Joshua. 

21. What was the condition of Jerusalem at this time ? 
Although well walled, it was not yet fully inhabited. 

22. What was Nehemiah's next care? 

To bring in people and improve the city. 

23. Who became inhabitants of the city ? 

All the rulers and the tenth part of the people, chosen 
by lot. 



EESSON LXX. 



1. What is said of the dedication of the wall ? 

" They sought the Levites out of their places to bring 
them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness." 

2. How was the service conducted ? 

" With thanksgiving and with singing, with cymbals, 
psalteries and with harps." 

3. What measures were taken to continue the holy services? 
Officers were appointed to take charge of the offerings, 

the first-fruits and the tithes for the priests and Levites. 

4. What was found written in the law that same day, in regard 
to intermarriages with the heathen ? 

"That the Ammonites and the Moabites should not 
come into the congregation of God for ever," 



NEHEMIAH. 131 

5. How did the people show their obedience to the law ? 

" The j separated from Israel all the mixed multi- 
tudes." 

6. How was the temple after this profaned ? 

Tobiah, an Ammonite, had obtained an apartment for 
his private residence. 

7. From whom did he receive this privilege? 

From Eliashib the priest, an officer of the temple, to 
whom Tobiah had been allied by marriage. 

8. For what use had this apartment formerly been kept? 

As a place for the offerings of the priests and the tithes 
of the corn, the wine and the oil for the support of the 
ministers of the temple. 

9. Where was Nehemiah at this time ? 

He had returned for a season to the king his master, 
in Persia. 

10. What did he do when he came back to Jerusalem and saw 
the abuses of the house of God ? 

He caused all Tobiah's household stuff to be cast out • 
and the apartment to be cleansed. 

11. What did he cause to be restored in their place ? 

" The vessels of the house of God, with the meat-offer- 
ing and the frankincense." 

12. What neglect did Nehemiah perceive in regard to the 
Levites? 

They had not received their portions, and in conse- 
quence had left the service of the temple and " fled every 
one to his field." 

13. How did Nehemiah correct this wrong? 

He gathered in the dispersed Levites and set them in 
their places, and required the people to bring in their 
tithes. 

14. How had the Sabbath been desecrated ? 

Some of the Jews had been treading wine-presses and 
lading their beasts with burdens on the Sabbath day. 



132 BIBLE GEMS. 

15. What was done by men of Tyre who dwelt in Judah ? 
They brought into the city fish and all manner of ware, 

and sold on the Sabbath to the children of Judah. 

16. How did Nehemiah put an end to this desecration ? 

He contended with the nobles of Judah, and shut the 
city gates against all traffic from the evening before the 
Sabbath till the morning after. 

17. What other transgression did Nehemiah find in Judah ? 
That of unlawful marriages, which he also rebuked 

and corrected. 



ESTHER. 

LESSON LXXI. 

1. Name the seventeenth book of the Old Testament. 
Esther. 

2. Who was Esther ? 

• She was an orphan child whom Mordecai adopted as 
his own daughter. 

3. Who was Mordecai ? 

He was a captive Jew of the family of Saul. 

4. Where did he dwell? 

In the court of Ahasuerus, a distinguished monarch 
of Persia. 

5. What relation was Esther to Mordecai ? 
She was his uncle's daughter. 

6. What was her personal appearance? 
She was very beautiful. 

7. To what position was she elevated ? 
She became the wife of Ahasuerus. 

8. Who in those days had designed to take the life of Ahasuerus? 
Two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh. 

9. How was their plot discovered ? 

Mordecai told it to Esther the queen, and she made it 
known to the kin^. 



ESTHER. 133 

10. What was done with the conspirators? 
They were both hanged on a tree. 

11. Who after this was promoted to. the highest office in the 
king's court? 

Haman. 

12. What was Hainan's character? 
He was ambitious and wicked. 

13. Who refused to bow down before Haman and do him rev- 
erence? 

Mordecai. 

14. How did Haman seek to be revenged on Mordecai? 

He laid a plan for the destruction of all the Jews in 
the empire. 

15. What decree did he obtain of the king? 

Letters were sent into all the king's provinces to cause 
to destroy on a certain day all Jews, " and to take the 
spoil of them, for a prey." 

16. How did Mordecai show his grief when he perceived all that 
was done ? 

" He rent his clothes and put on sackcloth with ashes, 
and went out into the midst-of the city and cried with a 
loud and bitter cry." 

17. What is said of the distress in the provinces in which the 
letters had been sent? 

" There was great mourning among the Jews, and fast- 
ing and weeping and wailing." 

18. What is said of Esther when she heard of Mordecai's dis- 
tress ? 

She was exceedingly grieved and sent raiment to clothe 
Mordecai, which he would not accept. 

19. What request did Mordecai send to Esther? 

Having made known to her the king's purpose, he 
urged her to intercede with him for her people. 

20. What word did Esther return to Mordecai ? 

She referred him to the king's law forbidding any one 

12 



134 BIBLE GEMS. 

to come unto him in the inner court who was not called, on 
pain of death, " except such to whom the king shall hold 
out the golden sceptre." 



LESSON LXXII. 

1. What did Esther do when Mordecai again urged his request ? 
She appointed a fast, and consented to appear before 

the king, saying, "And if I perish, I perish." 

2. When did Esther appear before the king ? 

" On the third day she put on her royal apparel and 
stood in the inner court of the king's house." 

3. How was she received by the king ? 

" The king held out the golden sceptre that was in his 
hand. So Esther drew near and touched the top of the 
sceptre." 

4. What did the king say to her ? 

"What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy 
request? It shall be even given thee, to the half of the 
kingdom." 

5. What did Esther answer him ? 

" If it seem good unto the king, let the king and 
Hainan come this day unto the banquet that I have pre- 
pared for him." 

6. What did the king desire of Esther at the banquet of wine ? 
That she should make known to him her petition. 

7. How did Esther answer him? 

She invited the king and Haman to another banquet 
on the next day, and proposed on that occasion to offer 
her petition. 

8. What is said of Haman on that day ? 

He went forth "joyful and with a glad heart." 

9. What circumstance disturbed his enjoyment? 

" When he saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he 



ESTHER. - 135 

stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indigna- 
tion against Mordecai." 

10. What did he do on his return home? 

"He sent and called for his friends and Zeresh his 
wife," and told them of his wealth and promotion, and 
how the queen had honored him. 

11. What did he say in reference to Mordecai? 

" Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see 
Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate." 

12. What did Zeresh his wife and his friends say to him ? 

"Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to- 
morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be 
hanged thereon." 

13. What was the result of their counsel? 

" The thing pleased Haman, and he caused the gallows 
to be made." 

14. What is said of the uneasiness of the king that night ? 

He could not sleep, and called to have the book of 
records read to him. 

15. What account among others was read to him ? 

That Mordecai had been the means of saving the king 
from the hands of Bigthan and Teresh. 

16. What did the king say ? 

" What honor and dignity hath been done to Morde- 
cai for this?" 

17. What did the king's servant answer him? 
" There is nothing done for him." 



LESSON LXXIII. 

1. Whom did the king employ to put upon Mordecai marks of 
dignity and honor ? 
Haman. « 



136 BIBLE GEMS. 






2. Where was Haman when the king sent for him ? 

He had come into the outward court of the king's 
house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai. 

3. What question did the king put to Haman ? 

" What shall be done unto the man whom the king 
delighteth to honor ?" 

4. What was Haman's reply ? 

Haman, supposing that it was himself whom the king 
desired to honor, proposed that he should be arrayed in 
the king's apparel and taken through the city on the 
king's horse. 

5. How was Haman disappointed ? 

" The king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the 
apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so 
to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate." 

6. What is said of Haman when he had done as the king had 
commanded? 

" He hasted to his house mourning, and having his 
head covered." 

7. What did the king again say to Esther, when he and Haman 
had come to her second banquet ? 

" What is thy petition, Queen Esther ? and it shall be 
granted thee." 

8. What was the answer of Queen Esther ? 

"If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it 
please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, 
and my people at my request." 

9. What did she further add? 

" For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, 
to be slain and to perish." 

10. What was the king's answer to Esther ? 

" Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in 
his heart to do so ?" 

11. What did Esther say ? 

" The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman." 






ESTHER. 137 

12. What was the effect of this upon Haman? 

He was afraid before the king and the queen, and 
made request for his life. 

13. What was his doom ? 

The king caused him to be hung on the gallows that 
he had prepared for Mordecai. 



LESSON LXXIV. 

1. What favor was bestowed upon Esther on that day ? 
King Ahasuerus gave unto her the estate of Haman, 

which he had forfeited. 

2. Who came before the king at this time ? 

Mordecai, for Esther had now told what relation he 
was to her. 

3. What mark of favor did the king confer upon Mordecai ? 
He took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, 

and gave it unto Mordecai. 

4. What trust did the queen commit to the charge of Mordecai ? 
She made him steward over the estate of Haman. 

5. How did Esther again approach the king? 

She knelt at his feet, and besought him with tears to 
reverse the letters devised by Haman. 

6. In what words did she express her sorrow ? 

"For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come 
unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruc- 
tion of my kindred?" 

7. How did the king favor her cause ? 

He spoke to Esther the queen, and to Mordecai, and 
gave them power to defend their nation against the as- 
saults of their enemies. 

8. What means were used to accomplish the purpose ? 
Letters w T ere sent to every province, wherein the king 

granted the Jews to gather themselves together and stand 
for their lives. 

12* 



138 BIBLE GEMS. 

9. How was Mordecai honored ? 

He was arrayed " in royal apparel of blue and white, 
and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of 
fine linen and purple." 

10. What is said of the Jews ? 

" The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor." 

11. What success did the Lord grant the Jews? 

They completely subdued their enemies, and had rest 
from them. 

12. What festival was established in commemoration of this 
event ? 

The feast of Purim. 

13. What is meant by the word Purim ? 
It signifies lots. 

14. Why was the feast thus named ? 

Because Haman, the enemy of the Jews, had cast lots 
to destroy them. 

15. What is said of the greatness of Ahasuerus and Mordecai ? 
Ahasuerus received tribute not only from his vast 

empire, but also from the isles of the sea, and. Mordecai 
was next to him in greatness. 



JOB. 

LESSON LXXV. 



1. Name the eighteenth book of the Old Testament. 
Job. 

2. What do we learn about Job ? 

That he was a man of singular piety and patience, 
having suffered many sore trials, and that the Lord de- 
livered him. out of them all. 

3. Is it known when Job lived ? 

It is supposed he lived at a very early period of the 
world, probably before the time of Abraham. 



job. 139 

4. Who wrote the book of Job ? 

It is supposed to have been written by himself. 

5. Where did Job live ? 

In the land of Uz, a district of Arabia. 

6. How is his character described ? 

He was perfect and upright, and one that feared God 
and eschewed evil. 

7. W T hat is said of his family ? 

He had seven sons and three daughters. 

8. W T hat is known of his wealth ? 

He possessed vast flocks aud herds and a very great 
household, so that he was the greatest of all the men of 
the East. 

9. What custom prevailed among his children ? 

His sons feasted in their houses, every one his day ; 
and they invited their sisters to eat and drink w r ith them. 

10. What was Job in the habit of doing when the days of their 
feasting were over ? 

He rose early in the morning and offered burnt-offer- 
ings for them all. 

11. For what purpose ? 

" For Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned 
and cursed God in their hearts." 

12. Who came among the sons of God as they came to present 
themselves before the Lord ? 

Satan. 

13. How did the Lord address Satan ? 
He said, " Whence comest thou ?" 

14. What answer did Satan return ? 

" From going to and fro in the earth, and from walk- 
ing up and down in it." 

15. What did the Lord then say ? 

" Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is 
none like him in the earth ?" 



140 BIBLE GEMS. 



16. What did Satan answer him? 
He spoke against Job and said, " Put forth thine hand 

now and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to 
thy face." 

17. What did the Lord again say to Satan ? 

" Behold ! all that he hath is in thy power ; only upon 
himself put not forth thine hand." 

18. How did Satan afflict Job? 

He deprived him of his children and his wealth. 






LESSON LXXVI. 

1. What word was brought to Job when, on a certain day, his 
sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their 
eldest brother's house ? 

A messenger announced that the Sabeans fell upon his 
oxen while ploughing and slew his servants with the edge 
of the sword. 

2. What word was brought by another messenger while the first 
was yet speaking ? 

" The fire of God is fallen from heaven and hath burned 
up the sheep and the servants and consumed them." 

3. What was announced by a third messenger while the second 
was yet speaking ? 

" The Chaldeans made out three bands and fell upon 
the camels, and have carried them away ; yea, and slain 
the servants with the edge of the sword." 

4. What by a fourth while the third was yet speaking? 

" Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking 
in their eldest brother's house, and, behold, there came a 
great wind from the wilderness and smote the four cor- 
ners of the house, and it fell upon the J^oung ro k n, and 
they are dead." 



JOB. 141 

5. How was Job affected when he heard these things? 

" Then Job rose and rent his mantle, and shaved his 
head, and fell down upon the ground and worshiped." 

6. In what words did he express his submission to these trials? 
" The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away ; blessed 

be the name of the Lord." 

7. Who again appeared among the sons of God when they pre- 
sented themselves before the Lord? 

Satan, having come to present himself also before the 
Lord. 

8. What did the Lord say to Satan? 
" From whence comest thou ?" 

9. How did Satan answer the Lord ? 

He said he had just completed a tour of the earth. 

10. What did Satan reply when the Lord again referred him to 
his pious servant Job ? 

He again reproached Job, and said, " But put forth 
thine hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he 
will curse thee to thy face." 

11. What did the Lord say to Satan? 

'•'Behold, he is in thine hand ; but save his life." 

12. How did Satan again tempt Job? 

He smote him with sore boils from the sole of his foot 
unto his crown. 

13. What is said of Job when in this dreadful condition ? 

" He took a potsherd to scrape himself withal, and he 
sat down among the ashes." 

14. What did his wife say to him? 

"Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God 
and die." 

15. How did Job rebuke her? 

He said, " Thou speakest as one of the foolish women 
speaketh. What ! shall we receive good at the hand of 
God, and shall we not receive evil ?" 



142 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON LXXVII. 

1. Who, having heard of Job's affliction, came to mourn with 
him and to comfort him ? 

His three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad 
the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. 

2. How were they moved when they saw him afar off and knew 
him not? 

" They lifted up their voice and wept ; and they rent 
every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads 
toward heaven." 

3. For how long a time did they sit with him upon the ground 
without speaking to him ? 

Seven days-and seven nights, "for they saw that his 
grief was very great." 

4. How did Job at last give vent to his thoughts? 

He for the first time uttered words of impatience and 
complaint. 

5. Which of Job's friends was the first to address him ? 
Eliphaz the Temanite, who rebuked him for his impa- 
tience. 

6. How did Eliphaz commence his speech ? 

"If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be 
grieved? But who can withhold himself from speak- 
ing?" 

7. In what words did Job begin to answer Eliphaz ? 

" Oh that my grief were thoroughly weighed and my 
calamity laid in the balances together ! for now it would 
be heavier than the sand of the sea." 

8. How did Job's other friends address him ? 

Instead of speaking words of comfort, they also re- 
proached him and sought to instruct him. 

9. What did Job say after Zophar had addressed him ? 
"Yea, who knoweth not such things as these?" 



job. 143 

10. What did Job answer when Eliphaz had again reproved him 
for impiety, and spoken of the misery that comes upon the wicked ? 

" I have heard many such things : miserable comforters 
are ye all." 

11. What did Job answer when Bildad had again reproached 
him? 

" Plow long will ye vex my soul and break me in pieces 
with words ? These ten times have ye reproached me." 

12. Who made an address after the three visitors had ceased to 
answer Job ? 

Elihu the Buzite. 

13. Why did he defer speaking so long? 
Because he was the youngest of them all. 

14. What was his opinion in regard to Job and his friends ? 
He regarded them all as in the wrong. 

15. Why was he displeased with Job? 

" Because he justified himself, rather than God." 

16. What did he condemn in the conduct of the three friends? 
Their unfair manner of answering the afflicted pa- 
triarch. 

17. What was the character of Elihu's discourse? 
It was honest, faithful and kind. 

18. What was his purpose ? 

To convince Job of his sin in reflecting upon the jus- 
tice of God, and to show him the design of God in his 
dealings with men. 



LESSON LXXVIII. 

1. Who at last addressed Job out of the whirlwind and continued 
the argument of Elihu ? 

The Lord, saying, " Who is this that darkeneth counsel 
by words without knowledge ? Gird up now thy loins like 
a man, for I will demand of thee ; and answer thou me." 



144 BIBLE GEMS. 

2. To what did the Lord refer Job? 

To his own mighty works, thereby to convince Job of 
his ignorance and weakness. 

3. How did Job show his humiliation at the Lord's rebuke ? 
He said, "Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer 

thee ? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth." 

4. How did the Lord again answer Job out of the whirlwind? 
" Gird up thy loins now like a man ; I will demand 

of thee, and declare thou unto me." 

5. What did Job answer when the Lord had again referred him 
to his power and greatness ? 

" I know that thou canst do everything, and that no 
thought can be withholden from thee." 

6. How did he express his sorrow for his sins ? 
He said, " I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." 

7. In what words did the Lord rebuke Eliphaz and his com- 
panions ? 

" My wrath is kindled against thee and against thy 
two friends, for ye have not spoken of me the thing that 
is right, as my servant Job hath." 

8. What did he command them to do for their sin ? 
To offer a burnt-offering for an atonement. 

9. Who did the Lord say should lead them in their service? 
He said, " My servant Job shall pray for you, for him 

will I accept." 

10. How did the Lord again prosper Job when he had prayed 
for his friends ? 

He turned his captivity, and gave him twice as much 
as he had before. 

11. How did he again associate with his relatives and friends? 
His brethren and sisters and old acquaintances visited 

him and ate with him. 

12. What presents did they bring him ? 
" Every man also # gave him a piece of mone}% and 

every one an ear-ring of gold." 



PSALMS. 145 

13. What is said of the prosperity of his latter end? 

"So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than 
the beginning." 

14. How was he blest in his family ? 

He had seven sons and three daughters. 

15. What is said of the beauty of his daughters ? 

" In all the land were no women found so fair as the 
daughters of Job." 

16. How long did Job live after this? 

" A hundred and forty years, and saw his sons and his 
sons' sons, even four generations." 

17. What is said of his death ? 

"So Job died, being old and full of days." 



PSALMS. 

LESSON LXXIX. 

1. Name the nineteenth book of the Old Testament. 
The book of Psalms. 

2. By whom were most of the Psalms written ? 
By King David. 

3. For what was David celebrated ? 

As the sweet singer and skillful musician of Israel. 

4. When were some of the Psalms written of which David was 
not the author? 

Some were written during the captivity. 

5. Who is supposed to have collected them into a book ? 
Ezra. 

6. Of what do the Psalms consist ? 

Of inspired hymns and songs, meditations and prayers. 

7. With what instruments were they accompanied when sung 
by the ancients? 

With the psaltery, harp and lute. 
13 K 



146 BIBLE GEMS. 

8. What formed a considerable part of the daily worship at th 
sanctuary ? 

Psalmody, with various kinds of instrumental music. 

9. How many of the Psalms are referred to in the New Testa- 
ment? 

Nearly fifty. 

10. Can you repeat two passages from the Psalms which have a 
direct reference to Christ ? 

" They gave me also gall for my meat ; and in my 
thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." Also, " They part 
my garments among them, and cast lots upon my 
vesture." 

11. One prophetic of Christ's resurrection ? 

" For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell ; neither wilt 
thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." 



PKOVERBS, ECCLESIASTES AND SONG OF 
SOLOMON. 

LESSON LXXX. 

1. Which is the twentieth book of the Old Testament? 
The book of Proverbs. 

2. Of what does this book consist ? 

Of wise maxims or sayings, chiefly of King Solomon. 

3. How are the Proverbs of Solomon regarded ? 

As the most valuable part of his works, furnishing 
rules for the conduct of persons in all conditions of 
life. 

4. What do the first nine chapters contain ? 
Cautions and exhortations on various subjects. 

5. What is included in the portion from the tenth chapter to 
part of the twenty-second ? 

A series of regular proverbs. 



ISAIAH AND JEREMIAH. 147 

6. What is contained in the latter part of the twenty-second 
chapter and the twenty-third ? 

Important instructions addressed in a connected form 
to a pupil supposed to be present. 

7. Of what does the thirtieth chapter consist ? 
Of the wise admonitions of Agur. 

8. What is contained in the thirty-first or last chapter? 
The counsels given to King Lemuel by his mother. 

9. Name the twenty-first book of the Old Testament. 
Ecclesiastes. 

10. What is the meaning of the word Ecclesiastes? 
It signifies the preacher. 

11. By whom was this book written ? 
By Solomon. 

12. When was it written ? 
Toward the close of his eventful career as king of 

Israel. 

13. What seems to have been the design of the author ? 
To show the folly of worldKness and the advantages 

of true wisdom or piety. 

14. Name the twenty-second book of the Old Testament. 
The Song of Solomon. m 

15. What is the style of this song ? 
It is highly figurative. 

16. To what does it relate ? 

To Christ and his Church — representing Christ as the 
bridegroom and the Church as his bride. 



ISAIAH AND JEREMIAH. 

LESSON LXXXI. 

1. Which is the twenty-third book of the Old Testament ? 
The prophecy of Isaiah. 



148 BIBLE GEMS. 

2. What is known of the personal history of Isaiah? 
Little is known, except that he was the son of Amos 

3. When did he prophesy ? 
In the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, 

kings of Judah. 

4. How is this book regarded ? 
As one of the most complete and sublime of all the 

prophetical writings. * 

5. What are the contents of the first thirty-nine chapters? 
They embrace the period of the prophet's ministry. 

6. To what does the latter part of the book relate? 

To the end of the Babylonish captivity and the com- 
ing of Christ. 

7. What was Isaiah sometimes called ? 

The evangelical prophet, on account of his frequent 
and exact predictions of Christ. 

8. Will you recite a passage which relates to Christ's sorrow? 

" He is despised and rejected of men — a man of sor- 
rows and acquainted with grief." 

9. One relating to his sufferings on our behalf? 

"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was 
bruised for our iniquities." 

10. Another showing his meekness? 

" He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter ; and as a 
sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his 
mouth." 

11. Name the twenty-fourth book of the Old Testament. 
Jeremiah. 

12. Who was Jeremiah ? 

He was the son of Hilkiah, who was a priest. 

J3. What was his native place ? 

Anathoth, a city of Benjamin, three miles north of 
Jerusalem. 



ISAIAH AND JEKEMIAH. 149 

14. What is known of Jeremiah's early life ? 

He was meek and amiable, and was called to the pro- 
phetic office when quite a youth. 

15. What was the word of the Lord to Jeremiah? 

" I sanctified thee and I ordained thee a prophet unto 
the nations." 

16. What answer did Jeremiah return to the Lord ? 

"Ah, Lord God! behold I cannot speak, for I am a 
child." 

17. What did the Lord again say to Jeremiah ? 

" Say not, I am a child ; for thou shalt go to all that 
I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou 
shalt speak." 

18. How did the Lord encourage Jeremiah? 

He said, " Be not afraid of their faces, for I am with 
thee to deliver thee." 

19. In the reign of what king of Judah did Jeremiah begin to 
prophesy ? 

In the thirteenth year of Josiah. 

20. To what does his prophecy relate ? 

To the judgments that were to come upon the people 
for their sins, and to the restoration which awaited them 
whenever they would repent. 

21. How long did Jeremiah faithfully discharge the duties of a 
prophet ? 

During a period of forty-two years. 

22. What trials had he to contend with ? 

He was greatly persecuted by his own countrymen, 
being imprisoned and often in danger of death. 

23. What is known of Jeremiah's character during life ? 

He maintained his unblemished piety and integrity, 
and was affectionately attached to his country. 
13 * 



150 BIBLE GEMS. 

LAMENTATIONS AND EZEKIEL. 

LESSON LXXXII. 

1. Name the twenty-fifth book of the Old Testament. 
The Lamentations of Jeremiah. 

2. What is the character of this book ? 

It is a mournful poem, composed by Jeremiah on oc- 
casion of the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchad- 
nezzar. 

3. To what calamities does the prophet mainly refer in the first 
two chapters? 

To the calamities of the siege of Jerusalem. 

4. To what does the third chapter relate ? 

To the persecutions which Jeremiah himself had suf- 
fered. 

5. What prophecies does the fourth chapter contain ? 

The ruin and desolation of the city and temple, and 
the misfortune of Zedekiah. 

6. What is the fifth chapter ? 

It is a form of prayer for the Jews in their captivity. 

7. Which is the twenty-sixth book of the Old Testament? 
Ezekiel. 

8. Who was Ezekiel ? 

He was the son of Buzi, and was an inspired prophet 
as well as a priest. 

9. Where did he prophesy ? 

In Babylon, where he was in captivity with his country- 
men. 

10. With what king was he carried to Babylon ? 
With Jehoiachin, king of Judah. 

11. When did he begin to prophesy? 
In the fifth year of his captivity. 

12. How long was the period of his ministry ? 
About twenty-one years. 



DANIEL. 151 

13. What is known of the close of his career ? 

He is supposed to have been put to death by his country- 
men. 

14. On what account ? 

On account of his zeal in censuring their idolatry and 
wickedness, 

15. How was he regarded ? 

His memory was greatly revered, not only by the Jews, 
but also by the Medes and Persians. 

16. What is contained in the first part of the book of Ezekiel? 
The glorious appearance of God to the prophet, and 

his solemn appointment to his office. 

17. To what nations does the greater part of his prophecy relate ? 
To Tyre, Egypt, Edom and Judah. 

18. What is contained in the latter part ? 

A remarkable vision of a new temple, and a new 
government in the land of Israel. 

19. To what is the vision applicable? 

First, to the return from the Babylonian captivity ; 
and secondly, to the glory and prosperity of the king- 
dom of Christ. 



DANIEL. 



LESSON LXXXIII. 



1. Name the twenty-seventh book of the Old Testament. 
The book of Daniel. 

2. Who was Daniel ? 

He was a distinguished prophet, and a descendant of 
the family of David. 

3. For what was Daniel remarkable ? 
For his piety and wisdom. 



152 BIBLE GEMS. 

4. Of what is the book of Daniel composed ? 
It contains both history and prophecy. 

5. What is the first event recorded in this book ? 

The first captivity, which occurred in the reign of 
Jehoiakim, king of Judah. 

6. What account is given of Daniel's early life ? 

When quite a youth he was carried among other 
Jewish captives to Chaldea. 

7. How was he educated in Chaldea? 

He was instructed in the language and arts of the 
Chaldeans. 

8. How was he otherwise favored ? 

With three other Jewish youths, he was appointed to 
be trained specially for the royal service. 

9. How were they to be fed ? 

The king appointed them daily of his meat and of 
his wine. 

10. How long were they to be fed in this way ? 

" Three years, that at the end thereof they might 
stand before the king." 

11. Who were the three youths that were associated with Daniel ? 
Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 

12. How were the names of these four Jews changed ? 

To Daniel w r as given the name of Belteshazzar, and 
to his three companions, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed- 
nego. 

13. Did these Jews accept of the king's provisions ? 
They did not, but requested pulse and water. 

14. What is meant by pulse? 

Vegetables that grow in pods, such as peas and beans. 

15. What is said of the attainments of these youths ? 

"God gave them knowledge in all learning and 
wisdom." 



DANIEL. 153 

16. What special gifts had Daniel ? 

"And Daniel had understanding in all visions and 
dreams." 

17. What is said of them when they were examined before the 
king? v 

" He found them ten times better than all the ma- 
gicians and astrologers that were in all his realm." 



LESSON LXXXIV. 

1. What is said of a dream which the king had? 
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which troubled his spirit 

and disturbed his sleep, but he failed to remember it. 

2. What did he demand of his wise men whom he had called 
together ? 

That they should make known to him the dream and 
the interpretation thereof. 

3. With what punishment did he threaten them if they would 
fail to fulfill his request? 

That they should be put to death. 

4. How did the wise men answer the king? 

They rebuked him, and said there was not a man upon 
the earth that could show the king's matter, and that no 
other king or ruler would make such a request. 

5. What did they further add ? 

"And there is none other that can show it before 
the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with 
flesh." 

6. How did the king receive their answer ? 

He was very angry, and commanded to destroy all 
the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his 
fellows. 

7. Who requested the king to grant him time, that he might 
show him the interpretation ? 

Daniel. 






154 BIBLE GEMS. 

8. Whom did Daniel engage to seek with him God's mercy con- 
cerning this secret ? 

His three companions. 

9. How was their prayer answered ? 

The secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. 

10. How did Daniel acknowledge the Divine power and mercy 
in this vision ? 

He blessed the Lord and gave thanks for his goodness. 

11. What account did he give to the king of his dream? 

He told him he had seen a great image, whose bright- 
ness was excellent and the form thereof was terrible. 

12. How did he further describe the image ? 

The head was of fine gold, the body of silver, brass 
and iron, and his feet of iron and clay. 

13. What was there besides the image ? 

A stone that was cut out without hands, which smote 
the image and broke it. 

14. What became of the image ? 

It was broken into small pieces and carried away by 
the wind. 

15. What became of the stone ? 

It became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. 

16. What was the interpretation which Daniel gave of the dream ? 
He said the image represented four kingdoms that 

should successively bear rule in the earth and influence 
the affairs of the Jewish Church. 

17. What was signified by the head of gold? 

The Chaldean monarchy. Daniel said to the king, 
" Thou art this head of gold." 

18. What was signified by the part of silver? 
The monarchy of the Medes and Persians. 

19. What by the part of brass ? 

The Grecian monarchy, founded by Alexander the 
Great, who conquered Darius, the last of the Persian 
emperors. 



DANIEL. 155 

20. What was represented by the part of iron ? 
The Roman monarchy. 

21. What did the stone represent? 

The kingdom of Christ, which should be set up in the 
world in the time of the Roman empire. 



LESSON LXXXV. 

1. How did King Nebuchadnezzar show his regard for Daniel ? 
"He fell upon his face and worshiped Daniel, and 

commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet 
odors unto him." 

2. What did he say of Daniel's God ? 

" Of a truth it is that he is a God of gods and a King 
of kiugs, and a revealer of secrets." 

3. How did the king promote Daniel ? 

He made him ruler over the whole province of Baby- 
lon. 

4. What honor was conferred upon Shadrach, Meshach and 
Abednego ? 

At Daniel's request they were set over the affairs of 
the province of Babylon. 

5. What is said of an image which Nebuchadnezzar made ? 
He made an image of gold, whose height was about 

ninety feet and its breadth nine feet. - 

6. Where did he set it up ? 

In the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 

7. Who were called to the dedication of this image ? 
All the officers and rulers of the empire. 

8. What was proclaimed by the herald at the time of the dedi- 
cation ? 

That at a certain signal given all people, nations and 
languages, should fall down and worship the golden 
image. 



156 BIBLE GEMS. 

9. What penalty was pronounced against such as might refuse 
to obey ? 

That they should that same hour be cast into the 
midst of a burning fiery furnace. 

10. Who refused to fall down before the image? 

Daniel's three companions — Shadrach, Meshach and 
Abednego. 

11. How did Nebuchadnezzar show his rage when the three 
Jews, being brought before him, declared their unwillingness to 
worship his image? 

His countenance was changed against them, and in his 
fury he commanded that the furnace should be heated 
seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 

12. What was then done by the most mighty men of the army? 
At the king's command they bound the three Jews in 

all their garments and cast them into the furnace. 

13. What was the fate of the soldiers who cast them in ? 
They were consumed by the heat of the furnace. 

14. What strange sight did Nebuchadnezzar behold when he 
drew near to the furnace ? 

He saw four men loose, walking in the midst of the 
fire, having no hurt, and the form of the fourth was like 
the Son of God. 

15. What did the king say to these men ? 

"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, ye servants of 
the most high God, come forth and come hither." 

16. What were the princes and rulers amazed to see when they 
came forth ? 

That the fire had no power upon their bodies, that not 
a hair of their head was singed, and there was no smell 
of fire upon their clothes. 

17. How did Nebuchadnezzar acknowledge the God of Israel? 
He said, " Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach 

and Abednego, who hath sent his angel and delivered 
his servants that ( rusted in him." 



DANIEL. 



157 



18. What honor was conferred upon the three men ? 
They were promoted in the province of Babylon. 



LESSON LXXXVI. 



1. What is said of a dream which Nebuchadnezzar had after 
this ? 

When he was at rest in his house, and was nourishing 
in his palace, he saw a dream which made him afraid. 

2. What was the king's dream ? 

He saw a great tree in the midst of the earth, which 
reached unto heaven ; the leaves thereof were fair and 
it bore much fruit. 

3. What besides was in his dream ? 

He saw a watcher and a holy one come down from 
heaven, saying, "Hew down the tree and cut off his 
branches, shake off his leaves and scatter his fruit." 

4. What was said of the stump of the tree ? 

That it should be left in the earth, in the tender grass 
of the field, and have its portion with the beasts. 

5. Who had failed to interpret the dream ? 
All the wise men of Babylon. 

6. Who was then called to explain the dream ? 
Daniel. 

7. How was Daniel affected when he heard the dream ? 

He was troubled and said to the king, "My lord, the 
dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation 
thereof to thine enemies." 

8. How did he interpret the dream ? 

He said the dream represented the king, who should 
be driven from among men, and be made to dwell with 
the beasts of the field and eat grass as oxen. 

9. What did he say was signified by the stump of the tree which 
was to be left in the ground ? 

That the kingdom should again be made sure unto the 

14 



LESSON LXXXVII. 

1. Who was the last king of Babylon ? 
Belshazzar. 

2. Who was Belshazzar ? 

It is supposed that he was either the son or grandson 
of Nebuchadnezzar. 



158 BIBLE GEMS. 

king after he would have known that the heavens do 
rule. 

10. With what pious counsel did he close his interpretation ? 

He said to the king, " Break off thy sins by righteous- 
ness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, 
if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity." 

11. What is said of the fulfillment of this interpretation ? 
At the end of twelve months the king was in his 

palace, and said, "Is not this great Babylon that I have 
built for the house of the kingdom, by the might of my 
power and for the honor of my majesty." 

12. What occurred while the words were in the king's mouth ? 
"There fell a voice from heaven, saying, O King 

Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken ; the kingdom is 
departed from thee." 

13. When was the word accomplished? 
That same hour, when the king suddenly lost his 

reason, and, shunning all human society, ran wild with 
the beasts of the field. 

14. What is said of Nebuchadnezzar when, at the end of seven 
years, his reason returned to him ? 

He raised his eyes to heaven and blessed the most high 
God. 

15. How was his condition changed as to his kingdom ? 
He was established in his kingdom, "and excellent 

majesty was added unto him." 



DANIEL. 159 

3. What is said of a feast which Belshazzar made? 

He made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and 
drank wine before them. 

4. What act of impiety did he commit at the feast ? 

He commanded to bring the gold and silver vessels 
which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple at 
Jerusalem. 

5. How did they desecrate these vessels ? 

" They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and 
of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood and of stone." 

6. What miraculous appearance was seen that same hour? 
There came forth fingers of a man's hand and wrote 

upon the wall of the banqueting-room. 

7. How was the king affected when he saw the part of the hand 
that wrote, and the writing ? 

His thoughts troubled him, " and his knees smote one 
against another." 

8. Whom did he command to be called ? 

The astrologers, the Chaldeans and the soothsayers. 

9. What reward did the king offer to any one who would read 
the writing and show him the interpretation thereof? 

He said he should be clothed with scarlet and have a 
gold chain about his neck, and be made the third ruler 
in the kingdom. 

10. What is said of Belshazzar when the wise men failed to read 
the writing? 

He was greatly troubled, and his countenance was 
changed. 

11. Who, having heard of this occurrence, came into the banquet 
house ? 

The queen. / 

12. How did she address the king? 

She said, "O king, live for ever ! Let not thy thoughts 
trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed." 



160 BIBLE GEMS. 

13. Whom did she mention as being able to relieve the king of 
his perplexity ? 

She referred him to the remarkable wisdom of Daniel, 
and directed that he should be called. 

14. How did the king address Daniel when he was brought 
before him ? 

With great respect, and offered to reward him if he 
would read and interpret the writing. 

15. How did Daniel answer the king ? 

" Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to 
another ; yet I will read the writing unto the king and 
make known to him the interpretation." 

16. How did Daniel reprove the king ? 

He reminded him that he had not taken warning by 
the judgments of God on his father, but had indulged in 
idolatry and had desecrated the sacred vessels. 



LESSON LXXXVIII. 

1. What did Daniel say of the handwriting on the wall ? 

He said the hand upon the wall was sent from the 
Lord, and the sentence written was, "Mene, Mene, 
Tekel, Upharsin." 

2. What was his interpretation of the word " Mene ?" 

" God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it." 

3. The word " Tekel ?" 

"Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found 
wanting." 

4. " Upharsin?" 

" Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and 
Persians." 

5. What did the king command to he done to Daniel? 

To clothe him with scarlet, and to put a chain of gold 



DANIEL. 161 

about his neck, and proclaim him to be the third ruler 
in the kingdom. 

6. When were these judgments visited upon the king? 

In that same night was King Belshazzar slain, and 
Darius the Mede took the kingdom. 

7. Is it known who achieved this victory over the Chaldeans ? 
It was the great conquest of Cyrus. 

8. How was Daniel promoted in the reign of Darius ? 
Darius placed over the kingdom a hundred and twenty 

princes, and over these, three presidents ; of whom Daniel 
was first. 

9. Why was Daniel preferred before all the rest ? 
Because of the excellent spirit that was in him. 

10. Who sought to find an occasion against Daniel, concerning 
the kingdom ? 

The presidents and the princes. 

11. For what cause? 

They were envious of him. 

12. Why could they bring no accusation against him ? 
Because there was no error or fault in his conduct. 

13. What did these men finally resolve to do? 

They agreed to bring an accusation against Daniel con- 
cerning the law of his God. 

14. What decree did they obtain from the king ? 

That whosoever should ask a petition of any god or 
man for thirty days, except of the king, should be cast 
into a den of lions. 

15. How did Daniel regard this decree ? 

He went to his chamber, the windows being open, 
kneeled down three times a day, and prayed and gave 
thanks to his God as before. 
H* L 



162 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON LXXXIX. 



1. What is said of Daniel's adversaries when they found him 
making supplication before his God ? 

They drew near to the king and reminded him of the 
decree which he had signed, and told him of Daniel's 
disobedience. 

2. What is said of the king's sorrow when he heard these things ? 
He was greatly displeased with himself, and labored 

till the going down of the sun to deliver Daniel. 

3. How did Daniel's adversaries speak to the king when they 
had again assembled before him? 

They said, " Know, O king, that the law of the Medes 
and Persians is, that no decree nor statute which the 
king establisheth may be changed." 

4. What was then done with Daniel ? 

He was brought and cast into the den of lions. 

5. What did the king say to Daniel ? 

" Thy God, whom thou servest continually, he will de- 
liver thee." 

6. How did the king pass that night, after having returned to 
his palace ? 

He passed it fasting; "neither were instruments of 
music brought before him ; and his sleep went from him." 

7. How did he show his anxiety for Daniel the next morning? 
He rose early and went in haste to the den of lions. 

8. What did he say to Daniel ? 

He cried with a lamentable voice and said, " O Daniel, 
servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest 
continually, able to deliver thee from the lions ?" 

9. What answer did Daniel return to the king? 

" O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, 
and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they haf e not hurt 
me." 






HOSE A AND JOEL. 163 

10. What is said of Daniel when, at the king's direction, he was 
taken up out of the den ? 

" No manner of hurt was found upon him, because he 
believed in his God." 

11. What was the fate of those men who had accused Daniel ? 
At the king's command they were brought and cast 

into the den of lions, and the lions brake their bones 
before they reached the bottom of the den. 

12. How did the king honor the God of Israel? 

He made a decree that in every dominion of his kingdom 
men should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. 

13. How was Daniel favored ? 

He prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign 
of Cyrus the Persian. 

14. Of what does the latter part of the book of Daniel consist ? 
Of remarkable prophecies, some of which refer to 

Christ. 

15. When were they uttered ? 

During the captivity, both before and after the time 
of Ezekiel. 

16. Is it known how many prophets lived in captivity with the 
Jews? 

We know only of Ezekiel and Daniel. 



HOSEA AND JOEL. 

LESSOR XC. 

1. Name the twenty-eighth book of the Old Testament. 
Hosea. 

2. Who was Hosea ? 

He was the son of Beeri of Samaria, and the first of 
the twelve minor prophets. 

3. Why were the last twelve prophets called the minor prophets ? 
Their books are shorter than those of the others. 



164 BIBLE GEMS. 

4. When did Hosea begin to prophesy ? 
About eight hundred years before Christ. 

5. How long did he continue to prophesy ? 
During a period of sixty years. 

6. What was the design of his prophecy ? 

To reprove the people of Israel for their sins and idol- 
atry. 

7. Which is the twenty-ninth book of the Old Testament? 
The prophecy of Joel. 

8. What is known of Joel ? 

He was the son of Pethuel, and is supposed to have 
prophesied in the time of Hosea. 

9. What are some of the predictions contained in this book? 
The judgments which were to come upon the Jews for 

their sins, and the blessings promised them on their 
humiliation and repentance. 

10. Which is the most remarkable prophecy of Joel ? 

That of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, fulfilled 
on the day of Pentecost. 

11. Which" is the last prediction contained in this book ? 
That relating to the glorious state of the Christian 

Church in the end of the world. 



AMOS AND OBADIAH. 

LESSON XCI. 

1. Name the thirtieth book of the Old Testament. 
Amos. 

2. What is said of Amos ? 

He was among the herdmen of Tekoa. 

3. When did he prophesy ? 

In the days of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, 
kino; of Israel. 



AMOS AND OBADIAH. 165 

4. What is known of the prophet's early life? 

We have no knowledge of the place of his birth, but 
while employed as a herd man he was divinely appointed 
to prophesy against Israel. 

5. Where did Amos dwell at that time? 
At Bethel. 

6. What false accusation was brought against him, on account of 
which he had to flee to Tekoa ? 

Amaziah, the idolatrous priest of Bethel, sent to Jeru- 
salem, saying, "Amos hath conspired against thee in the 
midst of the house of Israel ; the land is not able to bear 
all his words.'' 

7. What words did Amaziah address to Amos? 

"O thou seer! flee thee away into the land of Judah, 
and there eat bread and prophesy there." 

8. What answer did Amos return to Amaziah ? 

" I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son, but 
I was a herdman and a gatherer of sycamore fruit." 

9. What did he further add ? 

"And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and 
the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people 
Israel." 

10. What is a peculiar feature of the prophecy of Amos? 
That it abounds in illustrations drawn from husbandry 

and the scenes of rustic life. 

11. Name the thirty-first book of the Old Testament. 
Obadiah. 

12. What is signified by the name Obadiah ? 
The servant of the Lord. 

13. What predictions does this book contain ? 

Of the destruction of the Edomites, and of the future 
restoration and prosperity of the Jews. 



166 BIBLE GEMS. 

JONAH. 

LESSON XCII. 

1. Which is the thirty-second book of the Old Testament? 
Jonah. 

2. What is known of Jonah ? 

He was a very ancient prophet, and was commanded 
by the Lord to preach repentance to the wicked people 
of Nineveh. 

3. Of what empire was Nineveh the chief city ? 
Of Assyria. 

4. How did Jonah show his unwillingness to obey? 
He fled from the presence of the Lord. 

5. To what place did he attempt to go ? 

To Tarshish, having taken a ship at Joppa. 

6. What happened when he was on the sea? 

The Lord sent a great tempest, so that the ship was in 
danger of being broken. 

7. What is said of the mariners ? 

"They were afraid, and cried every man unto his 
god." 

8. Where was Jonah ? 

He was down in one of the sides of the ship, and was 
fast asleep. 

9. What did the shipmaster say to him ? 

" What meanest thou, O sleeper ? Arise, call upon thy 
God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish 
not." 

10. By what method did they seek to discover on whose account 
this evil came upon them ? 

They all agreed to cast lots. 

11. Upon whom did the lot fall? 
Upon Jonah. 






JONAH. 167 

12. What did the men ask Jonah ? 

They inquired of him what they should do with him 
that the sea might be calm unto them. 

13. What did Jonah answer? 

That they should cast him into the sea. 

14. Were they at once willing to do as he said ? 

They were not, but rowed hard to bring the ship to land. 

15. What did they do when they failed to succeed ? 

After making an appeal to God for their justification 
in the act, they cast him overboard. 

16. What was the effect upon the sea? 
It ceased from its raging. 

17. How were the men affected by this occurrence ? 

"They feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a 
sacrifice unto the Lord, and made vows." 



LESSON XCIII. 



1. What means had the Lord provided for Jonah's preservation ? 
He caused him to be swallowed by a great fish. 

2. How long did he remain within the body of the fish? 
Three days and three nights. 

3. How was Jonah delivered ? 

After engaging in earnest prayer, the Lord spoke to 
the fish and it cast him forth upon the shore. 

4. What was the word of the Lord to Jonah the second time ? 
That he should go to Nineveh and preach as he had 

commanded him. 

5. How did Jonah obey the Lord ? 

He went into the city and proclaimed that in forty 
days Nineveh should be overthrown. 

6. What was the effect of Jonah's preaching ? 

The people, believing his prediction, clothed themselves 
in sackcloth and repented. 



168 BIBLE GEMS. 

7. How did the Lord show them mercy ? 

Seeing their penitence, he was pleased to suspend his 
threatened judgment. 

8. With what feeling did Jonah regard the mercy of God 
toward the Ninevites ? 

He was greatly displeased, fearing he should be re- 
garded as a false prophet. 

9. How did the Lord rebuke Jonah ? 

He said, " Doest thou well to be angry ?" 

10. What did Jonah then do ? 

He went out of the city and made him a booth, under 
which he sat, that he might see what would become of 
the city. 

11. How did the Lord provide for his comfort while he was 
sitting in his booth ? 

He caused a gourd to grow up over him for a shelter. 

12. What was this gourd? 

It was a plant with broad leaves. 

13. How was the gourd destroyed the next day ? 

The Lord prepared a worm which smote it, that it 
withered. 

14. How did Jonah suffer for want of the gourd ? 
The sun beat upon his head and he fainted. 

15. How did he show his impatience ? 

He greatly lamented the loss of the gourd, and wished 
that he might die. 

16. How did the Lord again rebuke Jonah ? 

He said, " Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the 
which thou hast not labored ;" and added, " Should not 
I spare Nineveh ?" 



I 



MICAH, NAHUM, IIABAKKUK AND ZEPHANIAH. 169 

MICAH, NAHUM, HABAKKUK AND 
ZEPHANIAH. 

LESSON XCIV. 

1. Name the thirty-third book of the Old Testament. 
Micah. 

2. Who was Micah ? 

He was a native of Maresha, a village in Judah. 

3. When did he prophesy ? 

In the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, during 
a period of fifty years. 

4. Whose life is supposed to have been saved by a reference to 
one of Micah's predictions ? 

The life of Jeremiah. 

5. What is the most remarkable feature of this prophecy ? 
That it is very explicit respecting the birth-place of 

Christ and the blessings of his reign upon earth. 

6. Which is the thirty-fourth book of the Old Testament? 
Nahum. 

7. What is known of Nahum ? 

He was a native of Galilee, but there is no certainty 
about the time in which he lived. 

8. What is the character of his prophecy ? 

It is a sublime poem, relating chiefly to the destruction 
of the city of Nineveh. 

9. How long after the prophecy of Nahum was uttered was Nin- 
eveh overthrown? 

About a century. 

10. How long after it had been threatened by Jonah ? 
Nearly two hundred years. 

11. By whom was the city finally subdued ? 
By the Babylonians and the Medes. 

12. Name the thirty-fifth book of the Old Testament. 
Habakkuk. 

15 



170 BIBLE GEMS. 

13. Who was Habakkuk ? ■ 

He was a prophet of the tribe of Simeon, and is 
supposed to have remained in Judah during the cap- 
tivity. 

14. When was his prophecy uttered ? 
About six hundred years before Christ. 

15. To what does it chiefly relate ? 

To the captivity of the Jews, the overthrow of the 
Babylonian empire and the final deliverance of God's 
people. 

16. Name the thirty-sixth book of the Old Testament. 
Zephaniah. 

17. What is known of Zephaniah ? 

He was the son of Cushi, and lived in the days of 
Josiah. 

18. When was his prophecy uttered? 

In the early part of the ministry of Jeremiah. 

19. What was the design of this prophecy ? 

It was designed mainly to excite the Jewish nation to 
repentance, in view of threatened judgments. 

20. How does Zephaniah close his prophecy ? 

He comforts the people of God with the promise of a 
future restoration. 



HAGGAI, ZECHAKI AH AND MALACHI. 

LESSOR XCV. 

1. Which is the thirty-seventh book of the Old Testament? 
Haggai. 

2. What is known of the prophet Haggai ? 

He is supposed to have been born during the captivity, 
and to have returned with Zerubbabel. 



HAGGAI, ZECHARIAH AND MALACHI. 171 

3. When was this prophecy uttered ? 

Five hundred and twenty years before Christ. 

4. What does it contain ? 

It contains earnest exhortations respecting the build- 
ing of the second temple, and also predictions of the 
coming of Christ. 

5. Name the thirty-eighth hook of the Old Testament. 
Zechariah. 

6. Who was Zechariah ? 

He was the son of Barachiah and grandson of Iddo. 

7. When did Zechariah begin to prophesy ? 

Five hundred and twenty years before Christ, and two 
months after Haggai. 

8. How does he commence his prophecy ? 

With an exhortation to the people to return to the 
Lord, and not to imitate the stubbornness of their 
fathers. 

9. What was the design of this prophecy? 

To encourage the Jews in the establishment of their 
national institutions. 

10. What remarkable predictions does it contain ? 

It foretells very distinctly the coming of Christ. 

11. Name the thirty-ninth and last book of the Old Testa- 
ment. 

Malachi. 

12. What is the meaning of the name Malachi? 
It signifies, My angel. 

13. What opinion is held concerning the time at which Malachi 
lived? 

That he lived four hundred years before Christ, and 
was the last of the inspired prophets under the old dis- 
pensation. 

14. Have we any account of his country or parentage ? 
We have not. 



172 



BIBLE GEMS. 



15. What are the contents of the greater part of Malachi's pro- 
phecy ? 

It contains sharp rebukes of the sins and abuses of 
the Jews, especially of the priests. 

16. What predictions are contained in the latter part of this 
book ? 

Of our Saviour's advent, and the preparation of his 
way by the preaching of John the Baptist. 






« :; " _;: sk 




FROM A CHILD THOU HAST KNOWN TH E HOLY SCRiPTU RES. 

2d Timothy 3 : 15. 



PART SECOND. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



LESSON I. 



1. What is the second division of the Bible called ? 
The New Testament ? 

2. What portion of the word of God is included in the New 
Testament ? 

That portion which was written after the coming of 
Christ. 

3. How many books does the New Testament contain? 
Twenty-seven. 

4. Will you name the first four? 
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 

5. What are these books often called? 
The four Gospels. 

6. What are the authors of these books called ? 
The evangelists. 

7. What is the meaning of Evangelist ? 
One who brings good tidings. 

8. Which of the gospels was written first ? 
The Gospel by St. Matthew. 

9. When is it supposed to have been written ? 
About the year 38. 

15 * 173 



174 BIBLE GEMS. 

10. Who was Matthew? 

He was the son of Alpheus, and a native of Galilee. 

11. What was his occupation when called into the service of 
Christ ? 

Though a Jew, he was a tax-gatherer under the Ro- 
mans. 

12. When is the Gospel of St. Mark supposed to have been 
written ? 

Between the years 56 and 65. 

13. What is known of Mark ? 

He was by birth a Jew, of the tribe of Levi. 

14. For whom was this Gospel especially written ? 
For the Christians at Rome. 

15. What is known of St. Luke, the author of the third Gospel ? 
It is supposed that he was born at Antioch, but we 

have no account of his parentage. 

16. What was he by profession ? 
He was a physician. 

17. Where and when is he supposed to have written his Gospel ? 
At Antioch, about the year 63. 

18. To whom did he dedicate it? 
To Theophilus. 

19. Who was Theophilus ? 

A distinguished Christian, and supposed to have been 
an Egyptian by birth. 

20. Who was St. John, the author of the fourth Gospel ? 
He was the son of Zebedee and Salome. 

21. How was he distinguished among the disciples of Christ? 
He was called the " beloved disciple." 



LESSON II. 



1. How does Matthew commence his Gospel ? 
With the genealogy of Christ, from Abraham to Jo- 
seph c 



THE GOSPELS. 175 

2. What is the number of generations from Abraham to Christ? 
Forty-two. 

3. In what year of the creation was our Saviour born ? 
In the year 4004. 

4. What account is given of Christ's birth ? 

He was born at Bethlehem in Judah, of a virgin 
named Mary, who was espoused to Joseph. 

5. What had brought them to Bethlehem ? 

Joseph had come to be taxed, with Mary his espoused 
wife. 

6. Why was the infant Saviour laid in a manger ? 
Because there was no room in the inn. 

7. What name was Joseph directed by an angel to give to Christ ? 
Jesus, which means a saviour. 

8. Why was he thus named ? 

Because he was to be the Saviour of the world. 

9. Who first announced his birth ? 
An angel of the Lord. 

10. To whom? 

To shepherds, who were keeping their flocks near 
Bethlehem. 

11. What is said of an angel coming to them that night ? 

The angel came upon them, and the glory of the Lord 
shone around them. 

12. How were they affected ? 
" They w 7 ere sore afraid." 

13. How did the angel encourage them ? 

He said, "Fear not; for behold I bring you good 
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For 
unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a 
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." 

14. Who of a sudden appeared with the angel ? 

" A multitude of the heavenly host praising God and 
saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, 
good-will toward men." 



176 BIBLE GEMS. 

15. What did the shepherds resolve to do when the angels had 
left them ? 

To go to Bethlehem, that they might see what had 
come to pass. 

16. Whom did they find there ? 

Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 

17. When did the infant Saviour receive the name Jesus ? 
When he was eight days old. 



LESSON III. 



1. How old was Jesus when he was presented to the Lord at 
Jerusalem ? 

Forty days. 

2. What offering did Mary bring when she presented her son ? 
Two turtle-doves, one for a burnt-offering, and the other 

for a sin-offering. 

3. Who came by direction of the Holy Spirit into the temple 
at this time ? 

Simeon. 

4. What is known of Simeon ? 

He lived in Jerusalem, and was eminent for his piety 
and communion with God. 

5. What was revealed to him by the Holy Ghost concerning the 
Saviour? 

That he should not see death before he had seen the 
Lord's Christ. 

6. What words did he utter when he had taken the child Jesus 
in his arms ? 

" Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, 
according to thy word ; for mine eyes have seen thy sal- 
vation." 

7. What distinguished woman came into the temple at this 
time? 

Anna, a prophetess. 



THE GOSPELS. 177 

8. What is known of her? 

She was a widow of great age — the daughter of Phan- 
uel, of the tribe of Aser. 

9. What is said of her devotion to the service of the Lord ? 
She departed not from the temple, but served God 

with fastings and prayers night and day. 

10. What feelings did xlnna express when she saw the Saviour? 
She gave thanks unto the Lord. 

11. Who afterward came to inquire after the infant Saviour? 
Wise men from the East, saying, " Where is he that 

is born king of the Jews ? for we have seen his star in 
the East, and are come to worship him ?" 

12. What king lived in Jerusalem at this time ? 
Herod, who was a Roman prince. 

13. What is known of Herod ? 

He had been an Edomite, but was proselyted to the 
Jewish religion. 

14. What was his character ? 
He was wicked and cruel. 

15. How did he receive the announcement of Christ's birth ? 
He was troubled. 

16. Why was he troubled ? 

He feared that a new king would arise and supplant 
him. 

17. What did Herod request the wise men to do ? 

To search diligently for the child, and when they had 
found him, to bring him word that he might come and 
worship him also. 



LESSON IV. 



1. How were the wise men enabled to find the Saviour? 
"The star which they saw in the East went before 
them till it came and stood where the young child was." 

M 



178 BIBLE GEMS. 

2. What did the wise men do when they came into the presence 
of the infant Saviour ? 

They fell down and worshiped him. 

3. What gifts did they present to him ? 
Gold and frankincense and myrrh. 

4. Did the wise men return to Herod ? 
They did not. Being warned by God in a dream, they 

returned another way. 

5. What is said of the wrath of Herod when he saw that he was 
mocked of the wise men ? 

He was filled with rage, and caused to be slain all the 
children in Bethlehem and all the coasts thereof, from 
two years old and under. . 

6. For what purpose ? 

In order that the child Jesus might certainly be de- 
stroyed. 

7. How was the life of Jesus preserved ? 

Joseph had been warned by an angel in a dream to 
take the young child and his mother and flee into 
Egypt. 

8. Until what time did they remain in Egypt ? 

Until after the death of Herod, when Joseph was 
directed by an angel to return to the land of Israel. 

9. Where did they then dwell ? 

In Nazareth, a town in Galilee. 

10. What is said of Christ when he was twelve years old? 

He went with his parents to Jerusalem to attend the 
yearly feast of the passover. 

11. Why were Joseph and Mary troubled when they were 
returning home? 

Because Jesus had tarried at Jerusalem, and they knew 
not where he was. 

12. How long were they searching for him ? 
. Three days. 



THE GOSPELS. 179 

13. Where did they find him? 

Sitting in the temple among the doctors, both hearing 
them and asking them questions. 

14. What is said of those that heard him ? 

They were astonished at his understanding and answers. 

15. What did his mother say to him ? 

" Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us ? Behold, thy 
father and I have sought thee sorrowing." 

16. In what words did Jesus reply? 

" How is it that ye have sought me ? Wist ye not that 
I must be about my Father's business ?" 

17. What was his conduct toward his parents when he had 
returned with them to Nazareth ? 

He was subject unto them. 

18. In which of the Gospels do we read the account of Christ's 
birth and childhood? 

In Matthew and Luke. 



LESSON V. 



1. Who was the forerunner of Christ ? 
John the Baptist. 

2. Where is recorded the birth of John the Baptist ? 
In the first chapter of Luke. 

3. Who was his father ? 

Zach arias, who was a priest of the family of Abia. 

4. Who was his mother ? 

Elizabeth, who was a descendant of Aaron. 

5. What was the character of Zacharias and Elizabeth ? 

" They were both righteous before God, walking in all 
the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blame- 
less." 

6. How did Zacharias learn that he was to be the father of John 
the Baptist? 

It was announced to him by the angel Gabriel. 



180 BIBLE GEMS. 

7. On what occasion was he visited by the angel? 

He was burning incense in the temple, when the angel 
appeared, standing on the right side of the altar of 
incense. 

8. What did the angel say to him? 

Seeing that Zacharias was troubled, he told him not to 
fear — that his wife Elizabeth should bear him a son, and 
his name should be called John. 

9. How did the angel say the child should be distinguished ? 
He said he should drink neither wine nor strong drink, 

and should be filled with the Holy Ghost from his 
birth. 

10. Did Zacharias believe the angePs prediction ? 
He did not. 

11. How was he punished for his unbelief? 

He was stricken dumb, and was not able to speak until 
after the prediction was accomplished. 

12. What name was proposed when, on the eighth day, they 
came to circumcise the child ? 

Zacharias, after the name of his father. 

13. What did his mother say ? 

" Not so ; but he shall be called John." 

14. What objection was offered to this name? 

They said, " There is none of thy kindred that is called 
by this name." 

15. How did they appeal to the father ? 

They made signs to him how he would have him 
called. 

16. What did he answer ? 

He wrote upon a writing-tablet, saying," His name is 
John." 

17. What miraculous change came suddenly upon Zacharias ? 

" His mouth was opened immediately and his tongue 
loosed, and he spake and praised God." 



THE GOSPELS. 181 

18. What is said of John's early life? 

"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and 
was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto 
Israel." 



LESSON VI. 



1. How old was John when he was called to preach and to baptize? 
About thirty years. 

2. Where did he begin to preach ? 

In the wilderness of Judea, saying, " Repent ye, for 
the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 

3. What is said of his clothing and manner of living? 
"And this same John had his raiment of camel's hair, 

and a leathern girdle about his loins, and his meat was 
locusts and wild honey." 

4. What was the success of his ministry ? 

Great multitudes came to him from the city and sur- 
rounding country to be baptized of him in the Jordan, 
confessing their sins. 

5. How did he address the Pharisees and Sadducees who came 
to his baptism ? 

He said, " O generation of vipers ! who hath warned 
you to flee from the wrath to come ? Bring forth, there- 
fore, fruits meet for repentance." 

6. Who were the Pharisees and Sadducees ? 
They were noted sects of the Jews. 

7. For what were the Pharisees remarkable? 

For their zeal for the ceremonies of the Church and 
the traditions of the elders. 

8. W r hat is known of the Sadducees ? 

They denied the existence of spirits and a future state. 

9. How did John bear testimony concerning Christ ? 

He said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto re- 
pentance ; but He that cometh after me is mightier than 

16 



182 BIBLE GEMS. 

I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear : he shall baptize 
you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." 

10. Who, among others, came to John to be baptized? 
Jesus of Nazareth. 

11. What did John at first say to him ? 

He forbade him, saying, " I have need to be baptized 
of thee, and comest thou to me ?" 

12. How did Jesus answer him ? 

He said, " Suffer it to be so now ; for thus it becometh 
us to fulfill all righteousness." 

13. What occurred when Jesus was baptized? 

The Holy Ghost descended on him in the likeness of a 
dove. 

14. What words were uttered by a voice from heaven ? 

" This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 



LESSON VII. 



1. To what place was Jesus afterward led by the Spirit? 
To the wilderness. 

2. How long was he fasting in the wilderness? 

Forty days and forty nights, after which he was 
hungry. 

3. Who came to tempt Jesus ? 
Satan. 

4. How did he tempt him ? 

" He said, If thou be the Son of God, command that 
these stones be made bread." 

5. What answer did Jesus return him ? 

"It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but 
by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." 

6. How did Satan again tempt him ? 

He set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said, "If 
thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down." 



THE GOSPELS. 183 

7. What did Jesus say to him ? 

"It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord 
thy God." 

8. How did Satan tempt Jesus a third time ? 

He placed him on a very high mountain, and, showing 
him all the kingdoms of the world, he said, "All these 
things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship 
me." 

9. In what words did Jesus answer Satan ? 

" Get thee hence, Satan ; for it is written, Thou shalt 
worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." 

10. Who came to Jesus after Satan had left him ? 
Angels came to minister unto him. 

11. What did John say of Jesus when he saw him returning 
from the wilderness of temptation ? 

" Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin 
of the world !" 

12. What did he further say? 

" This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man 
which is preferred before me ; for he was before me." 

13. When did John repeat his testimony concerning Christ? 
The next day, while standing in company with two of 

his disciples. 

14. Whom did these disciples then follow ? 
They followed Christ. 

15. Who was one of them ? 
Andrew. 



LESSON VIII. 



1. Whom did Andrew meet and bring to Jesus? 
His brother Simon, generally called Peter. 

2. What did Jesus say to Peter ? 

"Thou art Simon, the son of Jona : thou shalt be 
called Cephas, which is by interpretation a stone." 



184 BIBLE GEMS. 

3. Where did these events occur ? 
In Bethabara, beyond Jordan. 

4. Where did Jesus go the next day ? 
To Galilee. 

5. What other disciple did he find ? 
Philip. 

6. From what city was Philip ? 
The city of Bethsaida. 

7. What other disciples lived in the same city ? 
Andrew and Peter. 

8. Whom did Philip find ? 
Nathanael. 

9. What did Philip say to Nathanael? 

" We have found him of whom Moses in the law and the 
prophets did write —Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 

10. What did Nathanael say ? 

" Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth ?" 

11. What did Philip reply? 
" Come and see." 

12. What did Jesus say when he saw Nathanael coming to him ? 
" Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile." 

13. What question did Nathanael ask Jesus? 
" Whence knowest thou me ?" 

14. What did Jesus answer him ? 

" Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under 
the fig tree, I saw thee." 

15. How did Nathanael show his faith in Christ? 

He said, " Rabbi, thou art the Son of God ; thou art 
the King of Israel." 

16. To what place did Jesus go on the third day after these 
events? 

To Cana of Galilee, being invited with his disciples to 
a marriage. 

17. What was the number of his disciples at this time? 
Five. 






THE GOSPELS. 185 

LESSON IX. 

1. What miracle was wrought by Christ at the marriage in 
Cana? 

He turned water into wine. 

2. Who reminded the Saviour that they had no wine ? 
His mother. 

3. What did Jesus tell the servants to do? 
To fill six water-pots with water. 

4. When they had done so, what did he bid them do? 

To draw out and bear to the governor of the feast. 

5. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was 
made wine, what did he say of it ? 

" Thou hast left the good wine until now." 

6. W T hat may be observed of this miracle ? 

It was the first miracle wrought by Christ. 

7. To what place did Jesus go after this ? 
To Capernaum. 

8. Who accompanied him? 

His mother, his brethren and his disciples. 

9. How long did they remain there ? 
Not many days. 

10. What feast of the Jews was near at hand? 
The passover. 

11. Where was the passover celebrated? 
At Jerusalem. 

12. What desecration did Jesus find in the court of the temple ? 
There were changers of money sitting, and persons 

selling oxen and sheep and doves. 

13. What did the Saviour do ? 

He drove out the people with their animals, and over- 
threw the, tables of the money-changers. 

14. What did he say to those that sold doves ? 

"Take these things hence; make not my Father's 
house a house of merchandise." 

16 * ~ -_ 



186 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON X. 

1. Who came by night to converse with Jesus at Jerusalem ? 
A man of the Pharisees named Nicodernus, a ruler of 

the Jews. 

2. In what words did he address Jesus ? 

" Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from 
God ; for no man can do these miracles that thou dost, 
except God be with him." 

3. Of what did the Saviour endeavor to convince him ? 

Of the necessity of a change of heart and life before 
he could enter the kingdom of heaven. 

4. Where, after this, is it said Jesus was with his disciples and 
baptized ? 

In Judea. 

5. Did Jesus himself baptize ? 
He did not, but his disciples. 

6. Where was John at this time ? 

He was at iEnon, near Salim, where he was also bap- 
tizing. 

7. When Jesus left Judea, where did he go? 
He departed again into Galilee. 

8. Where did he stop when passing through Samaria ? 

At the city of Sychar, which is near the ground that 
Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 

9. What well was there ? 
Jacob's well. 

10. What did the disciples do while Jesus sat by the well to rest? 
They went to buy food. 

11. Who came to the well while Jesus was there ? 

A woman of Samaria, who had come to draw water. 

12. Why did the woman believe on him? 

Because of the words of wisdom which he spake to her. 



THE GOSPELS. 187 

13. What did she say when, having left her water-pot, she came 
into the city ? 

" Come, see a man which told me all things that ever 
I did : is not this the Christ?" 

14. What was the effect of her report? 

Many Samaritans came to him from the city, and be- 
lieved on him. 

15. What did Jesus say to his disciples when they invited him 
to eat ? 

" I have meat to eat that ye know not of." 

16. What did the disciples say one to another ? 

" Hath any man brought him aught to eat ?" 

17. What did Jesus say to them? 

" My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and 
to finish his work." 



LESSON XI. 

1. What town did Jesus enter when he arrived in Galilee ? 
Cana, where he had made the water wine. 

2. What is said of a second-miracle which Christ wrought while 
he was at Cana? 

A certain nobleman besought him to come and heal 
his son, who was sick at Capernaum, and at the point of 
death. 

3. What did Jesus say to the man ? 
" Go thy way, thy son liveth." 

4. How was the nobleman cheered On his return ? 

His servants met him with news of the child's recovery. 

5. What was the effect of this miracle on the family ? 

The nobleman himself believed, and his whole house. 

6. Where did Christ commence his public ministry ? 
In Galilee. 

7. When did he more fully enter upon his work ? 
After John had been cast into prison. 



188 BIBLE GEMS. 

8. Who had cast John into prison ? 
Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee. 

9. What relation was this Herod to the king who sought to de- 
stroy the infant Saviour ? 

He was the sod of that Herod. 

10. What caused Herod to become offended with John? 
John had reproved him for evil conduct. 

11. Of what sin had Herod been guilty? 

He had married Herodias, the wife of his brother 
Philip, who was still living. 

12. In what words did John reprove Herod ? 

He said, " It is not lawful for thee to have her." 

13. What death did John the Baptist finally suffer ? 
Herod caused him to be beheaded. 

14. On what occasion ? 

Herod, on his birth-day, made a supper to his lords 
and chief men, and the daughter of Herodias danced 
before them and pleased Herod. 

15. What rash promise did Herod make to the damsel ? 

He promised with an oath to give her whatever she 
might ask, even to the half of his kingdom. 

16. What did she request ? 

Being before instructed of her mother, she said, "Give 
me here John the Baptist's head in a charger." 

17. Did Herod willingly grant her request? 

He was sorry ; yet, for his oath's sake and those that 
were with him, he commanded that it should be done. 

18. Where is given an account of John the Baptist? 
In the four Gospels. 



LESSON XII. 



1. What words did Jesus address to the people of Galilee? 
" The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at 
hand : repent ye and believe the gospel." 



THE GOSPELS. 189 

2. What is said of his fame through this region ? 

" He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all." 

3. What were those synagogues ? 

Places of public worship, where the Jews met for 
prayer and praise, and for reading and expounding the 
Scriptures. 

4. How many persons took part in the reading every Sabbath ? 
Seven : the first a priest, the second a Levite, and the 

other five Israelites of the synagogue. 

5. Since what period of time were synagogues more frequented ? 
Since the captivity. 

6. To what town did Jesus come when he had journeyed through 
the other parts of Galilee ? 

To Nazareth, where he had been brought up. 

7. What is said of his preaching on a certain occasion at Naz- 
areth ? 

As had been his custom, he went into the synagogue 
on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. 

8. From what portion of the Scripture did he read? 

The book of Isaiah being delivered to him, he read 
the lesson appointed for that day, which was an allusion 
to himself. 

9. Can you repeat the first words of the prophecy which he 
read? 

" The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath 
anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor." 

10. What attention was drawn to the Saviour ? 

When he had returned the book and sat down, the 
eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. 

11. In what words did he begin to address the people ? 

" This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears." 

12. How were they struck with the truth and force of what he 
said ? 

They wondered at his gracious words, and said, "Is 
not this Joseph's son ?" 



190 BIBLE GEMS. 

13. What occurred before Jesus had finished speaking ? 

All in the synagogue became offended with him, and 
they thrust him out of the city. 

14. How did they attempt to take his life ? 

They led him to the brow of the hill upon which the 
city was built, that they might cast him down. 

15. How did Jesus escape from them ? 

He passed through the midst of them, and went his way. 

16. For what reason did the Saviour perform no miracles in 
Nazareth ? 

He said, "No prophet is accepted in his own country." 






LESSON XIII. 

1. Where, after this, did Jesus fix his residence? 
At Capernaum, the chief city of Galilee. 

2. Where was Capernaum situated ? 
On the Sea of Tiberias. 

3. What other names were applied to this sea? 
Lake of Gennesaret, and Sea of Galilee. 

4. How were the people impressed with the Saviour's wisdom 
when on the Sabbath days he taught them ? 

" They were astonished at his doctrine, for his word 
was with power." 

5. What did Jesus do, when at the Lake of Gennesaret the people 
pressed upon him to hear the word of God ? 

Seeing two ships or fishing-boats, he entered into one 
of them, and taught the people out of the ship. 

6. Who were the owners of the ship into which Jesus entered ? 
Peter and Andrew. 

7. To whom did the other belong ? 

To Zebedee and his sons James and John. 

8. What miracle was wrought by the Saviour when he had 
finished speaking ? 

The miracle of the draught of fishes. 



THE GOSPELS. 191 

9. What did Jesus command Peter and his men to do ? 
To cast their nets into the sea. 

10. What did Peter reply ? 

"Master, we have toiled all night and have taken 
nothing; nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the 
net." 

11. What was their success? 

They enclosed so great a multitude of fishes that their 
net brake. 

12. Who came to their help ? 
Their partners, James and John. 

13. W T hat was an evidence of the greatness of the draught? 

" They filled both the ships, so that they began to sink." 

14. Whom did the Saviour call to be his disciples after he had 
wrought this miracle ? 

The four fishermen — Peter and Andrew, James and 
John. 

15. What did he say to them ? 

" Follow me, and I will make you. fishers of men." 

16. W x ere they at once willing to obey ? 
" When they had brought their ships to land, they for- 
sook all and followed him." 

17. Which of these four disciples had followed Christ before ? 
Peter and Andrew. 



LESSON XIV. 



1. What miracle was wrought by the Saviour in a synagogue 
of the Jews ? 

He cured a man with an unclean spirit. 

2. Whom did Christ heal in the house of Peter ? 
Peter's wife's mother, who was sick of a fever. 

3. How was she healed? 

Jesus touched her, and the fever left her. 



192 BIBLE GEMS. 

4. What is said of the people on the evening of that day ? 
All the city was gathered at the door. 

5. What acts of mercy were done by Christ? 

He healed many that were sick, and cast out many 
devils. 

6. In what city were these miracles performed ? 
In Capernaum. 

7. What did Jesus do the next morning ? 

He rose very early and went into a solitary place to 
pray. 

8. Who followed him ? 
His disciples. 

9. What did they say to him when they had found him ? 
" All men seek for thee." 

10. What was Jesus' reply ? 

" Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach 
there also ; for therefor came I forth." 

11. Where did Christ preach his sermon on the mount? 
On a mountain or hill in Galilee. 

12. Who came unto him as he sat? 
His disciples. 

13. Where was this mountain situated? 

In the vicinity of Capernaum, but where precisely is 
not known. 

14. What is the mount called which tradition reports to be the 
place? 

The Mount of Beatitudes. 

15. How did Christ begin his sermon on the mount? 
By declaring who are blessed. 

16. Which of the evangelists gives a full account of this dis- 
course ? 

Matthew. 

17. Where is it repeated in substance ? 
In Luke. 



THE GOSPELS. 193 

18. What miracle was wrought by the Saviour when he had 
come down from the mount ? 

He cleansed a leper. 

19. What is meant by a leper ? 

A person affected with leprosy, a loathsome and infec- 
tious disease. 

20. How did the leper approach him ? 

He worshiped him, saying, " Lord, if thou wilt thou 
canst make me clean." 

21. How did Jesus heal him ? 

He touched him and said, " I will ; be thou clean." 



LESSON XV. 



1. Who came to Jesus at Capernaum in behalf of a servant who 
was sick of the palsy ? 

A centurion. 

2. What is meant by a centurion ? 

A commander of a hundred men in the Roman armies. 

3. What did Jesus say to the centurion ? 
" I will come and heal him."' 

4. What did the centurion answer? 

"Lord, I .am not worthy that thou shouldest come 
under my roof, but speak the word only and my servant 
shall be healed." 

5. How did Jesus commend the centurion's faith ? 

He said to those that followed him, "Verily, I say unto 
you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." 

6. When was the servant healed ? 
In that same hour. 

7. To what city did Jesus go the day after ? 
To the city of Nain. 

8. Who accompanied him ? 

Many of his disciples and other persons. 
17 N 



194 BIBLE GEMS. 

I. What did he behold as he approached the city gate? 

" There was a dead man carried out, the only son of his 
mother, and she was a widow ; and much people of the 
city was with her." 

10. What did Jesus say to the woman? 

" He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep 
not." 

II. How did he address the dead when he had caused the bearers 
to stand still ? 

" Young man, I say unto thee, Arise." 

12. What followed? 

The young man sat up, and began to speak. 

13. When Christ at the Sea of Galilee saw great multitudes about 
him, what command did he give ? 

To depart to the other side. 

14. Who came unto him ? 
A certain scribe. 

15. What did the scribe say to him? 

" Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest." 

16. What may have been the motive which prompted him to this 
resolve ? 

Probably an expectation to obtain some worldly ad- 
vantage. 

17. How did Christ declare his own poverty in replying to the 
scribe ? 

He said, " The foxes have holes and the birds of the 
air have nests ; but the Son of man hath not where to 
lay his head." 



LESSON XVI. 



1. What occurred when Christ had entered a ship and was on 
the sea with his disciples? 

There arose a great tempest in the sea, so that the ship 
was covered with the waves. 



THE GOSPELS. 195 

2. Where was Jesus at this time ? 

He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a 
pillow. 

3. How did the disciples appeal to him for safety ? 
They came to him crying, " Master, we perish." 

4. What did Christ do ? 

He arose and rebuked the wind, saying, " Peace, be 
still." 

5. What did Jesus say to them when the wind had ceased ? 
"Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no 

faith?" 

6. What did his disciples say one to another ? 

" What manner of man is this, that even the wind and 
the sea obey him ?" 

7. Where did Jesus go with his disciples when they had come 
to the other side ? 

Into the country of the Gadarenes. 

8. By whom was he met there? 

By a man possessed with many devils. 

9. What is said of the man ? 

He wore no clothes, and dwelt among the tombs ; and 
no man could bind him, not even with chains. 

10. What miracle did Christ perform with the demoniac ? 

He cast out the legion of devils, and caused them to 
enter into a herd of swine. 

11. What became of the swine? 

x They ran violently down a steep place into the lake, 
and perished in the water. 

12. What is said of those that fed the swine? 

They fled, and told it in the city and in the country. 

13. When the people came to see what was done, what did they 
find? 

The man out of whom the devils were departed sitting 

at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. 



196 BIBLE GEMS. 

14. What feeling was manifested by the Gadarenes? 
The loss of the swine displeased them, and they be- 
sought Christ to depart out of their coasts. 



LESSON XVII. 



1. When Jesus had passed over again, and entered into Caper- 
naum, how was he received ? 

The people received him with gladness, for they were 
all waiting for him. 

2. Who was brought to him to be healed ? 

A man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed. 

3. How was he brought into the presence of Jesus ? 

Being unable to pass through the crowd, they uncov- 
ered the roof of the house in which Christ was, and let 
down the bed wherein the sick man lay. 

4. When Jesus saw their faith, what did he say to the man that 
was sick ? 

" Son, be of good cheer ; thy sins be forgiven thee." 

5. What did certain of the Scribes say within themselves ? 
" This man blasphemeth." 

6. How did the man give evidence that he was healed? 
He arose and departed to his house. 

7. What was the second occurrence after Christ's return to 
Capernaum ? 

The calling of Matthew to the discipleship. 

8. Where was Matthew when Christ called him? 
Sitting at the receipt of custom. 

9. How did he show his obedience to the call? 
He left all and followed Christ. 

10. How did Matthew entertain the Saviour in his house? 
He prepared for him a great feast. 

11. What other persons were invited to the feast ? 
A great company of publicans and others. 



THE GOSPELS. 197 

12. What persons were offended as Jesus sat at meat in the house ? 
The Pharisees, saying, " Why eateth your master with 

publicans and sinners ?" 

13. When Jesus heard it, what did he say? 

" They that be whole need not a physician, but they 
that are sick : I came not to call the righteous, but sin- 
ners to repentance." 



LESSON XVIII. 



1. Who came to Jesus beseeching him on account of his little 
daughter ? 

Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue. 

2. What did he say to Jesus ? 

" My daughter is even now dead ; but come and lay 
thy hand upon her, and she shall live." 

3. What did Jesus say when he came to the ruler's house and 
saw that all were weeping and mourning? 

He said, " Weep not ; she is not dead, but sleepeth." 

4. How did they regard his word ? 
" They laughed him to scorn." 

5. Who went with him into the room where the child lay ? 
The father and the mother, and three of his disciples. 

6. How did he raise the child to life ? 

He took her by the hand and said, u Damsel, I say 
unto thee arise." 

7. What evidence was given of the great and sudden change 
which was wrought ? 

The damsel immediately arose and walked. 

8. What was her age ? 
Twelve years. 

9. What occurred when Jesus sat at meat in the house of a 
Pharisee ? 

A woman who was a sinner came to him with an ala- 
baster box of ointment. 
17* 



198 BIBLE GEMS. 

10. How did she show her penitence and humility, and her love 
for Christ? 

She stood behind him weeping, and washed his feet 
with her tears, and wiped them with her hair ; she also 
kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 

11. What did the Pharisee who had bidden Christ say within 
himself? 

" This man, if he were a prophet, would have known 
who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth 
him, for she is a sinner." 

12. How did Jesus answer the Pharisee's objection ? 

He showed by a parable that the greater the sinner 
who is forgiven, the greater will be his love; and -he 
commended the acts of this penitent woman, 

13. What words of comfort did he address to the woman ? 
" Thy sins are forgiven." 



LESSON XIX. 



1. What women ministered unto Christ as he went through 
the cities and villages? 

Certain ones who had been healed of evil spirits and 
infirmities. 

2. Will you name some of them ? 

Mary Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, Jo- 
anna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna. 

3. Who came to Jesus to be healed, touching the hem of his 
garment ? 

A woman who hath been diseased for twelve years. 

4. When Jesus had turned about and seen the woman, what did 
he say to her ? 

" Daughter, be of good comfort ; thy faith had made 
thee whole." 

5. When Jesus had departed from Capernaum, who followed him ? 
Two blind men. 



THE GOSPELS. 199 

6. What was their petition ? 

" Thou Son of David, have mercy on us." 

7. How did he heal them ? 

He touched their eyes and they were opened. 

8. Who was brought into the presence of Christ just as the blind 
men went out ? 

A dumb man possessed with a devil. 

9. How was he healed ? 

The Saviour cast out the devil, .and the dumb spake. 

10. How did Jesus continue his acts of mercj" ? 

He went about all the cities and villages teaching in 
their synagogues, and healing all manner of diseases. 

11. What did he say to his disciples when in pity he looked 
upon the multitudes that were scattered abroad as sheep having no 
shepherd ? 

" The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are 
few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he 
will send forth laborers into his harvest." 

12. To what place of solitude did the Saviour retire for prayer ? 
He went out into a mountain, where he continued all 

night in prayer to God. 

13. Whom did he call to him when it was day ? 
His disciples. 

14. For what purpose ? 

That he might choose from among them twelve to be 
his apostles. 

LESSON XX. 

1. What is the meaning of the term apostle ? 
It means one that is sent. 

2. Can you name the twelve apostles ? 

Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bar- 
tholomew, Thomas and Matthew, James and Lebbeus, 
Simon and Judas. 



200 BIBLE GEMS. 

3. With what power did he invest them ? 

" He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast 
them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all 
manner of disease." 

4. What charge did he deliver to them when he sent them away ? 
He said, " Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and 

into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go 
rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 

5. Why were they not permitted to go anywhere except among 
the Jews ? • 

Because the full time for preaching the gospel among 
the Gentiles had not yet come. 

*>. On what mission were they sent? 

To preach the gospel, heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, 
raise the dead and cast out devils. 

7. Were they permitted to make provision for their journey ? 
They were not : Christ said, " The workman is worthy 

of his meat." 

8. How did he forewarn and instruct them in view of persecu- 
tions? 

He said, " Behold ! I send you forth as sheep in the 
midst of wolves ; be ye therefore wise as serpents and 
harmless as doves." 

9. What did Jesus do when he had finished commanding his 
disciples ? 

" He departed thence to teach and to preach in their 
cities." 

10. In what words did he upbraid the unthankfulness and im- 
penitence of the cities wherein most of his mighty works were 
done? 

" Woe unto thee, Chorazin ! woe unto thee, Bethsaida ! 
for if the mighty works which were done in you had 
been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented 
long ago in sackcloth and ashes." 



THE GOSPELS. 201 

11. How did he praise liis Father's wisdcui in revealing the 
gospel to the simple ? 

He said, " I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven 
and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the 
wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." 

12. In what words did he call to him all such as feel the burden 
of their sins? 

" Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest." 



LESSON XXI. 






1. How many disciples were at another time sent out by Christ? 
Seventy. 

2. For what purpose, and to what places, were they sent ? 

To preach the gospel, and work miracles in those places 
which Christ himself designed to visit. 

3. What instructions did they receive from Christ before they 
departed ? 

Much the same as those given to the twelve. 

4. When the seventy returned, how did they speak of their suc- 
cess? 

They rejoiced and said, " Lord, even the devils are sub- 
ject unto us through thy name." 

5. How did Jesus admonish them to be humble ? 

He said, " In this rejoice not that the spirits are sub- 
ject unto you, but rather rejoice because your names 
are written in heaven." 

6. What woman received Jesus into her house, as he entered 
with his disciples into the village of Bethany? 

A woman named Martha. 

7. Where was the village of Bethany? 
Not far from Jerusalem. 



202 BIBLE GEMS. 

8. How many persons composed the family of Martha ? 
Three — Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and 

Martha. 

9. How was Jesus entertained by the two sisters ? 

Mary sat at his feet and heard his word, but Martha 
was cumbered about much serving. 

10. What complaint did Martha bring to Jesus against her 
sister 2 

She said, " Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath 
left me to serve alone ? Bid her therefore that she help 
me." 

11. In what words did Jesus rebuke Martha? 

" Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about 
many things ; but one thing is needful, and Mary hath 
chosen that good part, which shall not be taken from 
her." 

12. What miracle did Christ perform at the pool of Bethesda? 
He healed an impotent man, who had been diseased 

thirty-eight years. 

13. What is said of this pool ? 

It was at Jerusalem, by the sheep market ; it had five 
porches, in which lay many sick and lame persons. 

14. Why were they placed there ? 

To wait for the moving of the water. 

15. What is said of the healing virtue of this water? 
Whoever first stepped in after the troubling of the 

water was cured of his disease. 

16. When Jesus saw the impotent man lying, what did he ask 
him? 

" Wilt thou be made whole?" 

17. What did the sick man reply? 

" Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to 
put me into the pool ; but while I am coming, another 
steppeth down before me." 



THE GOSPELS. 203 

18. How was he healed ? 

" Jesus saith unto him, Kise, take up thy bed and 
walk ; and immediately the man was made whole, and 
took up his bed and walked." 



LESSON XXII. 



1. What were the Jews incited to do when they saw the miracle 
of Christ at Bethesda ? 

They sought to kill him, because he had done it on the 
Sabbath day. 

2. How did Christ vindicate himself when he was arraigned 
before the Jewish council? 

He said, " My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." 

3. When did the Jews bring a similar charge against Christ ? 
When, passing through the corn on the Sabbath, his 

disciples plucked ears of corn to eat. 

4. How did Christ answer them ? 

He said, " For the Son _of man is Lord even of the 
Sabbath." 

5. On what occasion did the Pharisees again bring an accusation 
against Christ? 

When, on another Sabbath, he healed a man with a 
withered hand. 

6. What is shown by Christ's justifying his disciples in plucking 
the ears of corn and by his own works on the Sabbath ? 

That acts of necessity and of mercy are lawful on the 
Sabbath day. 

7. Who after this was brought to Christ to be healed ? 
One possessed with a devil, blind and dumb. 

8. How was he restored ? 

Christ healed him, so that the blind and dumb both 
spake and saw. 



204 BIBLE GEMS. 

9. How were the people impressed with this remarkable cure ? 
They were all amazed, and said, " Is not this the son 

of David ?" 

10. What did the Pharisees assert of Christ's miracles? 
That he casts out devils by the spirit of Satan. 

11. How did Jesus reply? 

He said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is 
brought to desolation." 

12. In what words did the Saviour warn them concerning the 
sin against the Holy Ghost? 

"All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven 
unto men ; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost 
shall not be forgiven unto men." 

13. How did he caution them against idle words ? 

He said, " Every idle word that men shall speak, they 
shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." 

14. Where did Jesus go that same day ? 

He went out of the house and sat by the sea-side. 

15. What did Christ do when great multitudes had gathered 
together unto him ? 

" He went into a ship and sat, and the whole multitude 
stood on the shore." 

16. How did he instruct the people? 
He addressed them in parables. 

17. What is meant by a parable? 

A narration of events, either real or supposed, designed 
to convey some great moral truth. 

18. How many parables did the Saviour use on this occasion ? 
Seven. 

19. Will you name them? 

The parable of the sower and the seed, of the tares, of 
the mustard seed, of the leaven, of the hidden treasure, 
of the pearl, and of the net cast into the sea. 



THE GOSPELS. 205 



LESSON XXIII. 

1. What account is next given of Christ's doings? 

When he had finished these parables, he departed 
into his own country, and taught the people in their 
synagogues. 

2. How had he been treated by his countrymen on a former 
occasion ? 

They rejected him. 

3. Did they at this time believe on him ? 

They did not, though they were astonished at his wis- 
dom and his mighty works. 

4. What did they say of him ? 

" Is not this the carpenter's son ? Is not his mother 
called Mary, and his brethren James, and Joses, and 
Simon, and Judas ? And his sisters, are they not all with 
us?" 

5. Why did not Jesus do many mighty works among them ? 
Because of their unbelief. 

6. What did Herod the tetrarch say when he heard of the fame 
of Jesus? 

" This is John the Baptist ; he is risen from t,he dead, 
and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in 
him." 

7. How long had Christ been laboring in the ministry at this 
time? 

About two years. 

8. When Jesus had heard of Herod's opinion concerning himself, 
into what place did he go by ship ? 

Into a desert place. 

9. Who followed him on foot? 
Many people out of the cities. 

10. How did he show compassion to the multitudes? 
He healed their sick. 

18 



206 BIBLE GEMS. 

11. When the evening was come, what did the disciples desire 
Jesus to do ? 

To send the multitude away into the villages to buy 
for themselves victuals. 

12. What did Jesns say? 

" They need not depart ; give ye them to eat" 

13. What did the disciples answer him ? 

" We have here but five loaves and two fishes." 

14. What command did Christ give ? 

That the people should sit down by fifties on the grass. 

15. What did Jesns then do? 

Looking up to heaven, he blessed the loaves and the 
fishes, then gave the multitude to eat, and they were all 
filled. 

16. What was done with that which was left ? 

"They took up of the fragments that remained twelve 
baskets full." 

17. What Was the number of those who had eaten? 

. Five thousand men, besides women and children. 



LESSON XXIV. 



1. What did Jesus request his disciples to do while he sent the 
multitudes away ? 

To get into a ship and go before him to the other 
side. 

2. To what place did Jesus retire that same evening tor prayer? 
He went up into a mountain, where he was alone. 

3. What was probably the cause of this hasty dispersion? 
Jesus perceived that they would come and take him 

by force to make him king. 

4. What happened with the disciples on their voyage? 

The ship was tossed with waves, tor the wind was con- 
trary. 



THE GOSPELS. 207 

5. Where did Jesus appear to his disciples in the fourth watch 
of that night? 

. He came to them walking on the sea? 

6. What was meant by the fourth watch o( the night? 
The time from three o'clock to six in the morning. 

7. How did the coming- of Christ affect the disciples? 

They said, "It is a spirit; and they cried out for 
fear." 

8. ITow did Jesus comfort them ? 

He said, " Be of good cheer ; it is I ; be not afraid." 

9. What did Peter answer him? 

* He said, " Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee 
on the water." 

10. What did Jesus say? 
" Come." 

11. What was the consequence of his attempt to walk on the 
water? 

" When he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid ; 
and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save 
me!" 

12. How did Jesus save him? 

He immediately stretched forth his hand and caught 
him, saying, " O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou 
doubt?" 

13. When they were come into the ship, and the wind had 
ceased, how did those in the ship show their faith in Christ? 

They worshiped him, saying, " Of a truth thou art 
the Son of God." 

14. What miracles were wrought by Christ when they came to 
the land of Gennesaret? 

All the diseased were brought to him, and as many 
as touched the hem of his garment were made perfectly 
whole. 



208 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON XXV. 

1. Who came to Jesus urging objections against his disciples ? " 
Scribes and Pharisees of Jerusalem, saying, " Why do 

thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for 
they wash not their hands when they eat bread." 

2. How did Jesus reprove the Scribes and Pharisees? 

He showed them that they transgress the command- 
ments of God through their traditions. 

3. What words did he address to the multitude concerning this 
matter ? 

" Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man, 
but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a 
man." 

4. When Jesus had departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, 
what woman came to him in behalf of her daughter? 

A woman of Canaan, crying, " Have mercy on me, O 
Lord, thou Son of David ; my daughter is grievously 
vexed with a devil." 

5. What did Jesus say to her ? 

" I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house 
of Israel." 

6. How did she continue her appeal ? 

She came and worshiped him, saying, " Lord, help me !" 

7. In what words did Jesus reply to her? 

"It is not meet to take the children's bread and to 
cast it to dogs." 

8. What did the woman say ? 

" Truth, Lord ; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which 
fall from their master's table." 

9. How did the Saviour reward her faith? 

He said to her, "O woman, great is thy faith; be it 
unto thee even as thou wilt." 

10. When was her daughter made whole? 
From that very hour. 



THE GOSPELS. 209 

11. When Christ was passing through the coasts of Decapolis, 
who was brought to him to be cured ? 

One that was deaf and had an impediment in his 
speech. 

12. How did he heal the man ? 

He touched his ears and tongue, and looking up to 
heaven, he said, " Be opened." 

13. What miracle was wrought by Christ when a multitude had 
been with him three days, having nothing to eat ? 

He fed the whole multitude with seven loaves and a 
few small fishes. 

14. What was the number of those that were fed? 
Four thousand men, besides women and children. 

15. How much was taken up of the broken meat that was left ? 
Seven baskets full. 



LESSON XXVI. 



1. When Jesus had taken ship, and come into the coasts of 
Magdala, who came tempting him ? 

The Pharisees and Sadducees. 

2. How did they tempt him ? 

They desired him to show them a sign from heaven. 

3. How did Jesus rebuke them ? 

He said, " A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh 
after a sign ; and there shall no sign be given unto it 
but the sign of the prophet Jonas." 

4. When Jesus had passed over again with his disciples to the 
other side of the lake, how did he warn them against the Pharisees 
and Sadducees? 

He said, " Take heed and beware of the leaven of the 
Pharisees and of the Sadducees." 

5. Why were the disciples troubled at these words ? 
Because they had forgotten to take bread with them, 

and they thought Christ referred to the leaven of bread. 

18 * O 



210 BIBLE GEMS. 

6. What did Jesus say to them ? 

" O ye of little faith ! why reason ye among yourselves 
because ye have brought no bread ?" 

7. How did the Saviour explain his meaning ? 

That they should beware of the doctrine of the Phari- 
sees and of the Sadducees. 

8. What miracle was wrought by Christ at Bethsaida ? 
He restored a blind man to sight. 

9. In what manner did he perform this miracle? 

When he had led him by the hand out of the town, he 
anointed his eyes with spittle, and put his hands upon him. 

10. What was the man's answer when Jesus asked him if he 
saw aught ? 

Looking up, he said, " I see men as trees, walking." 

11. What was the effect when Jesus again put his hands upon 
his eyes ? 

His sight was fully restored, and he saw every man 
clearly. 

12. How did Jesus foreshow to his disciples his death ? 

He told them he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer 
many things of the elders and chief priests and Scribes, 
and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 

13. What did Peter say ? 

" Be it far from thee, Lord : this shall not be unto thee." 

14. How did Jesus reprove Peter for these words ? 

He said, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an 
offence unto me ; for thou savorest not the things that be 
of God, but those that be of men." 

15. How did Jesus admonish those who would follow him ? 
He said, "If any man will come after me, let him 

deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me." 

16. What did he say concerning the value of the soul ? 

" For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole 
world and lose his own soul ? or what shall a man give in 
exchange for his soul?" 



THE GOSPELS. 211 



LESSON XXVII. 

1. Where, after six days, did Jesus go with Peter, James and 
John? 

Up to a high mountain. 

2. What occurred there ? 

Jesus was transfigured before them ; " and his face did 
shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the 
light." 

3. Who appeared, talking with Jesus ? 
Moses and Elias. 

4. What did Peter say to Jesus ? 

" Lord, it is good for us to be here : if thou wilt, let us 
make three tabernacles ; one for thee, and one for Moses, 
and one for Elias." 

5. What occurred while he yet spoke ? 

A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice was 
heard out of the cloud. 

6. What was the voice heard to say ? 

" This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased ; 
hear ye him." 

7. What is said of the disciples ? 

They fell on their faces, and were sore afraid. 

8. How did Jesus reassure them ? 

He touched them, and said, "Arise, and be not 
afraid." 

9. When they had lifted up their eyes, whom did they see ? 
" No man, save Jesus only." 

10. What charge did Jesus give his disciples when they were 
returning from the mount ? 

He said, " Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of 
man be risen again from the dead." 

11. When they were come to the multitude, who came to Jesus ? 
A man whose son was a lunatic and sore vexed. 



212 BIBLE GEMS. 

12. What did the man say of his son ? 

"Ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the 
water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they 
could not cure him." 

13. What did Jesus say ? 

" O faithless and perverse generation ! how long shall 
I be with you ? how long shall I suffer you ? Bring him 
hither to me." 

14. How was he healed ? 

" Jesus rebuked the devil, and he departed out of him ; 
and the child was cured from that very hour." 

15. What question did the disciples ask Jesus ? 
They said, " Why could not we cast him out?" 

16. What did Jesus reply ? 

" Because of your unbelief." 



LESSON XXVIII. 

1. How did Jesus teach his disciples a lesson of humility, when 
they desired to know who should be the greatest in the kingdom 
of heaven? 

He set a little child in their midst, and said, " Whoso- 
ever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is 
greatest in the kingdom of heaven." 

2. To what kingdom did the disciples refer? 

That kingdom on earth which they thought Christ 
would set up. 

3. What question did Peter ask the Saviour concerning forgive- 
aess ? 

He said, " Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against 
me, and I forgive him ? till seven times ?" 

4. What did Jesus reply ? 

"I say not unto thee, Until seven times, but, Until 
seventy times seven." 



THE GOSPELS. 213 

5. How did he illustrate this precept ? 
By the parable of the king who took account of his 

servants. 

6. How did Jesus show his love for little children ? 
He'' took them in his arms and blessed them. 

7. Who rebuked those that brought the children ? 
His disciples? 

8. What did Jesus say to the disciples ? 

u Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid 
them not ; for of such is the kingdom of heaven/' 

9. What miracle was wrought by Christ on a man who was blind 
from his birth ? 

^He restored him to sight. 
10. What did the disciples ask Christ concerning'this man ? 
They said, " Master, who did sin, this man or his 
arents, that he was born blind." 
11. What did Jesus answer? 
" Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents ; but 
that the works of God should be made manifest in 
him." 

12. How r did Jesus restore him to sight ? 

He anointed his eyes with clay, and sent him to wash 
in the pool of Siloam. 

13. How was this man persecuted by the Pharisees for giving 
Christ the praise? 

They reviled him, and cast him out of the syna- 
gogue. 

14. When Jesus afterward met the man, what did he say to 
him ? 

" Dost thou believe on the Son of God ?" 

15. How did the man confess his faith in Christ? 

He said, "Lord, I believe. And he worshiped 
him." 



214 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON XXIX. 

1. What woman was healed by Christ, as he taught in one of 
the synagogues on the Sabbath ? 

A woman who had an infirmity eighteen years, and 
was bowed together and unable to raise herself up. 

2. What did Jesus say when he had called her to hirn ? 
" Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity." 

3. What was the effect when he had laid his hands upon her? 
She was immediately made straight, and glorified God. 

4. How did the ruler of the synagogue express his indignation ? 
He said, " There are six days in which men ought to 

work ; in them, therefore, come and be healed, and not 
on the Sabbath day. 

5. How did Jesus silence him ? 

He proved the propriety of such acts by their own 
practice of watering their cattle on the Sabbath. 

6. What miracle was wrought by Christ when, on the Sabbath, 
he had entered the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread ? 

He healed a man who had dropsy. 

7. What question did Jesus ask the lawyers and Pharisees who 
were watching him ? 

" Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day ?" 

8. What answer did they make ? 
"They held their peace." 

9. What miracle was wrought by Christ, as he passed through 
the midst of Galilee and Samaria, on his way to Jerusalem ? 

He healed ten lepers. 

10. What is said of these men as they beheld Jesus entering a 
certain village? 

They stood afar off, and lifting up their voices, they 
said, " Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." 

11. How were they healed ? 

Jesus sent them to show themselves unto the priests, 
and as they went they were cleansed. 



THE GOSPELS. 215 

12. How many of them returned to give thanks ? 
But one of them, and he was a Samaritan. 

13. What did Jesus say ? 

" Were there not ten cleansed ? but where are the nine ?" 



LESSON XXX. 



1. What miracle was wrought by Christ in the town of Bethany ? 
He raised to life Lazarus, the brother of Mary and 

Martha. 

2. What message had the sisters of Lazarus sent to Jesus when 
their brother was taken sick ? 

" Lord, behold, he whom thou loyest is sick." 

3. Where was Jesus at this time ? 

On the east side of the river Jordan. 

4. How did he regard this family ? 

" Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." 

5. How long did Jesus remain where he was after receiving the 
message ? 

Two days. 

6. Why did he not come and heal Lazarus ? 

That he might show his power by raising him from the 
dead. 

7. When Jesus proposed returning to Judea, who objected? 
His disciples, saying, " Master, the Jews of late sought 

to stone thee ; and goest thou thither again ?" 

8. What did Jesus say afterward concerning Lazarus ? 

" Our friend Lazarus sleepeth ; but I go that I may 
wake him out of sleep." 

9. What reply did the disciples make? 
"Lord, if he sleep, he shall do w T ell." 

10. How did they misunderstand the Saviour? 

They thought he had spoken of taking rest in sleep. 



216 BIBLE GEMS. 

11. When Jesus told them plainly that Lazarus was dead, and 
proposed to go unto him, what did Thomas say ? 

" Let us also go, that we may die with him." 

12. When the sisters of Lazarus had heard that Jesus was com- 
ing, which of them went out and met him ? 

Martha. 

13. Where was Mary ? 

She sat still in the house, 

14. What did Martha say to Jesus? 

" Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not 
died." 

15. What did Jesus say to her ? 

" Thy brother shall rise again." 

16. Whom did Martha secretly call to see Jesus ? 

Her sister Mary, saying, "The Master is come, and 
calleth for thee." 

17. Who had come to the house of Mary and Martha to comfort 
them? 

Many Jews of Jerusalem. 

18. What did they do when they saw that Mary went out in 
haste? 

They followed her, saying, " She g'oeth to the grave to 
weep there." 

19. What did Mary say when she met Jesus? 

Falling down at his feet, she said, " Lord, if thou hadst 
been here, my brother had not died." 



LESSON XXXI. 



1. How was Jesus affected when he saw Mary weeping, and the 
Jews also weeping who came with her? 

" He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled." 

± What did he ask them? 

" Where have ye laid him ?" 



THE GOSPELS. 217 

3. What was their reply? 
" Lord, come and see." 

4. How did he show his sympathy ? 
"Jesus wept." 

5. What did the Jews then say? 

" Behold how he loved him !" 

6. In what kind of a grave was Lazarus laid? 
It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 

7. How long had he been buried ? 
Four days. 

8. When at Jesus' command they had taken away the stone from 
the grave, how was Lazarus raised to life ? 

Jesus cried with a loud voice, " Lazarus, come forth ! 
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot 
with grave-clothes ; and his face was bound about with a 
napkin." 

9. What was the effect of this miracle upon the Jews? 
Many believed on Jesus. 

10. Who gathered a council against Christ ? 
The chief priests and Pharisees. 

11. Why were they disposed to go against him ? 

They feared all men would believe on him, and that 
the Romans might come and take away both their place 
and nation. 

1 2. Who was high-priest that year ? 

Caiaphas. 

13. What was the advice of Caiaphas? 

That Jesus should be put to death, saying, " It is expe- 
dient for us that one man should die for the people, and 
that the whole nation perish not." 

14. How was this language prophetic? 

Being high-priest, he prophesied that Christ should die 
for the sins of all nations. 

15. Was Caiaphas aware of the intent of his prophecy ? 
He was not. 

19 



218 BIBLE GEMS. 

16. What was the determination of the Jews after this ? 

" From that day forth they took counsel together for 
to put him to death." 

17. How did Jesus avoid falling into the hands of his enemies? 
He walked no more openly among the Jews. 

18. What feast was drawing near at this time ? 
The Jews' passover. 

19. Why did many of the Jews go up to Jerusalem before the 
time? 

To purify themselves. 

20. What inquiry was made for Jesus ? 

" What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?" 

21. Why did the Saviour not allow himself to be taken at this 
time? 

Because his hour was not yet come. 



LESSON XXXII. 



1. When did Jesus speak plainly of his approaching sufferings 
and death ? 

When, near the close of his life, he was going up with 
his disciples to Jerusalem. 

2. Can you repeat some of the Saviour's words on this occasion ? 
" Behold, we go up to Jerusalem ; and the Son of man 

shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the 
Scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall 
deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and 
to crucify him ; and the third day he shall rise again." 

3. What miracle did Jesus perform at Jericho ? 

He restored to sight a blind man who sat by the way- 
side begging. 

4. Who was this blind man ? 
Bartimeus, the son of Timeus. 

5. How did Bartimeus cry out when ho heard that Jesus passed by? 
"Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!" 



THE GOSPELS. 219 

6. When he was rebuked by the multitude, how did he continue 
to plead ? 

" He cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, 
have mercy on me." 

7. How did Jesus regard his cry ? 

He stood still, and commanded him to be called. 

8. What cheering words were addressed to Bartimeus? 
" Be of good comfort, rise ; he calleth thee." 

9. When he came, what did Jesus ask him ? 

" What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?" 

10. What did the blind man answer? 

" Lord, that I might receive my sight." 

11. How was he restored to sight ? 

Jesus said, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee 
whole. And immediately he received his sight, and fol- 
lowed Jesus in the way." 

12. As Jesus entered and passed through Jericho, who desired 
to see him ? 

A man named Zaccheus. 

13. What is known of Zaccheus ? 

He was the chief among the publicans, and was 
rich. 

14. Why could he not see Jesus ? 

Because the crowd was great and he was small of 
stature. 

15. By what means did he seek to get sight of the Saviour ? 
He ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree, 

for Christ was to pass that way. 

16. When Jesus came to the place, and saw Zaccheus on the 
tree, what did he say ? 

" Zaccheus, make haste and come down, for to-day I 
must abide at thy house." 

17. How did Zaccheus receive Jesus ? 
He received him joyfully. 



220 BIBLE GEMS. 

18. Who murmured at this ? 

The Jews, saying, " That he was gone to be guest with a 
man that is a sinner." 

19. What declaration did Zaccheus make to the Saviour? 
"Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the 

poor ; and if I have taken anything from any man by 
false accusation, I restore him fourfold." 

20. What did Jesus say unto him ? 

" This day is salvation come to this house." 



LESSON XXIII. 



1. Where was Jesus six days before the passover? 

At Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom he raised from 
the dead. 

2. How was Jesus entertained at Bethany ? 

" They made him a supper, and Martha served ; but 
Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him." 

3. What is said of Mary ? 

She took a pound of ointment of spikenard — very 
costly — and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped them 
with her hair. 

4. Who objected to this act of Mary ? 

Judas, saying, " Why was not this ointment sold for 
three hundred pence, and given to the poor." 

5. Why did he say this ? 

"Not that he cared for the poor; but because he was 
a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein." 

6. What did Jesus say ? 

" Let her alone ; against the day of my burying hath 
she kept this : for the poor always ye have with you, but 
me ye have not always." 

7. Why did many of the Jews come to Bethany at this time? 
"Not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see 

Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead." 



THE GOSPELS. 221 

8. Why did the chief priests consult to put Lazarus also to 
death ? 

" Because that by reason of him many of the Jews 
went away, and believed on Jesus." 

9. When did Jesus ride triumphantly into Jerusalem ? 
On the next day after this. 

10. On what errand did he send two of his disciples as they were 
going to Jerusalem ? 

He sent them to a neighboring village, saying, "Ye 
shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat ; loose him, 
and bring him." 

11. What was done when they had brought the colt? 

They cast their garments on him ; and Jesus sat upon 
him. i 

12. What honor was shown Jesus on the way ? 

" Many spread their garments in the way ; and others 
cut down branches off the trees, and strewed them in the 
way." 

13. What was the cry of the multitudes that went before and 
that followed ? 

" Hosanna to the Son of David ! Blessed is he that 
cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the 
highest !" 

14. As Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, what caused him to weep 
over the city ? 

He had in view its guilt, and the miseries which were 
coming upon it. 

15. What ruin did the Saviour predict of Jerusalem ? 
That the city should be laid even with the ground. 

16. What abuses of the temple did Christ correct on his coming 
into Jerusalem? 

He cast out those that sold and bought therein, saying, 
"It is written, My house is the house of prayer, but ye 
have made it a den of thieves." 
19* 



222 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON XXXIY. 



1. How was Jesus employed the last few days of his life? 

He taught daily in the temple, and healed all the blind 
and lame that were brought to him. 

2. How did the children praise him in the temple? 
They cried, " Hosanna to the Son of David !" 

3. Who were displeased at this? 

The chief priests and Scribes, saying, " Hearest thou 
what these say ?" 

4. What was Jesus' reply ? 

" Have ye never read, Out of the mouths of babes and 
sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" 

5. Where did Jesus go that evening ? 

He went out of the city into Bethany, and lodged 
there. 

6. What miracle did he perform the next morning when he was 
returning from Bethany ? 

He caused a barren fig tree to wither by his word. 

7. What is said of this tree which he saw in the way ? 
He found nothing thereon but leaves only. 

8. What did Jesus say ? 

" Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever." 

9. What followed ? 

"Presently the fig tree withered away." 

10. To what place did Jesus retire when he took his final leave 
of the temple ? 

To the Mount of Olives. 

11. In what direction from Jerusalem was this mount? 
It overlooked the city on the east side. 

12. What was remarked to Jesus by one of his disciples as they 
passed out of the temple ? 

" Master, see what manner of stones and what build- 
ings are here !" 



THE GOSPELS. 223 

13. What did Jesus answer him ? 

" Seest thou these great things ? there shall not be left 
one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down." 



LESSON XXXV. 

1. Which of the disciples came to Jesus privately as he sat 
upon the mount, in view of the temple ? 

Peter and James and John and Andrew. 

2. What were they desirous to know ? 

"When all these things would come to pass ? 

3. What was the character of the Saviour's discourse to these 
disciples ? 

It was prophetic of the destruction of Jerusalem, and 
of the end of the world. 

4. Did he give them to understand when the end of the world 
would come ? 

No ; he said, " But of that day and hour knoweth no 
man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." 

5. In what words did he warn them to be prepared for it ? 

" Watch, therefore, for ye^ know not what hour your 
Lord doth come." 

6. With what parable did he teach the importance of being 
always ready ? 

The parable of the ten virgins. 

7. What did the Saviour say of the coming of the Son of man 
at the last judgment? 

" When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and 
all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the 
throne of his glory." 

8. What did he say of the nations of the earth ? 

" Before him shall be gathered all nations." 
• 9. W T hat division will be made at the last day? 

" He shall separate them one from another, as a shep- 
herd divideth his sheep from the goats ; and he shall set 
the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left." 



224 BIBLE GEMS. 

10. How will the King address those on his right hand ? 

" Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom 
prepared for you from the foundation of the world." 

1 1. How will he address those on his left hand ? 

" Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, pre- 
pared for the devil and his angels." 

12. What was now the purpose of the chief priests and Scribes? 
They sought how they might take Jesus by craft and 

put him to death. 

13. Where did they meet for consultation ? 

In the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest. 

14. What was their opinion as to the time of accomplishing their 
purpose? 

They said, "Not on the feast-day, lest there be an 
uproar among the people." 



LESSON XXXVI. 

1. Where was an entertainment made for Jesus and his dis- 
ciples two days before the passover ? 

At Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper. 

2. What honor was shown the Saviour as he sat at meat ? 

A woman having an alabaster box of very precious 
ointment poured it on his head. 

3. What did Judas Iscariot do immediately after this ? 

He went to the chief priests and agreed to deliver 
Jesus unto them. 

4. For what sum of money did he agree to betray his Lord ? 
For thirty pieces of silver. 

5. When the feast-day had come, where did Jesus send two of 
his disciples to prepare a lamb, that he might eat the passover with 
them ? 

He sent them to Jerusalem, telling them they should 
meet a man bearing a pitcher of water, who would con- 
duct them to his house, and show them a large upper 
room furnished. 



THE GOSPELS. 225 

6. On what day of the week did this first and principal day of 
the feast happen to be ? 

On Thursday. 

7. When evening had come, and Jesus had sat down with the 
twelve to eat, what did he say to them? 

" Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray 
me." 

8. How were they affected by these words? 

" They were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one 
of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?" 

9. What did Jesus answer them ? 

" It is one of the twelve that dippeth with me in the 
dish." 

10. Which of the twelve leaned on Jesus' bosom as they reclined 
at the table? 

John, the beloved disciple of Christ. 

11. Who beckoned to John that he should ask Christ of whom 
he spake ? 

Peter. 

12. What was Jesus' answer to John's question, " Lord, who 
is it?" 

" He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have 
dipped it." 

1 3. To whom did he give the sop ? 
To Judas Iscariot. 

14. What is said of Judas after he received the sop? 
Satan entered into him. 

15. What did Jesus say to him ? 

" That thou doest, do quickly." 



LESSON XXXVII. 

1. What did Jesus say to the disciples when Judas had gone out ? 
" Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified 
in him." 



226 BIBLE GEMS. 

2. What sacrament did Jesus institute at this time, to be ob- 
served in place of the passover ? 

The sacrament of the Lord's Supper. 

3. What did he use in this sacrament ? 
Bread and wine. 

4. How did he administer the bread ? 

He blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to his disciples, 
saying, " Take, eat ; this is my body." 

5. How did he administer the wine ? 

" He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to 
them, saying, Drink ye all of it ; for this is my blood of 
the new testament, which is shed for the remission of 
sins." 

6. With what exercise was the service concluded? 
They sang a hymn. 

7. To what place did they then go? 
To the Mount of Olives. 

8. What did Jesus foretell his disciples of their conduct that 
night ? 

He said, " All ye shall be offended because of me this 
night." 

9. How did Peter reply to this ? 

" Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet 
will I never be offended." 

10. What did Jesus say unto Peter? 

"Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the 
cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." 

11. What did Peter again declare? 

" Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny 
thee." 

12. To what place were they now come? 
To a place called Gethsemane. 

13. What is known of Gethsemane? 

It was a garden or retired spot on the side of Mount 
Olivet, which lay toward Jerusalem. 






THE GOSPELS. 227 

14. Which of the disciples did Jesus take with him apart in this 

garden ? 

Peter, James and John. 

15. What did he say to those that remained? 
"Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder." 

16. What did he say to the three that were with him? 
" My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death : 

tarry ye here and watch with me." 

17. When he had gone a little distance from them, what did he 
do? 

He fell on his face, and prayed, saying, "O my Father, 
if it be possible, let this cup pass from me : nevertheless, 
not as I will, but as thou wilt." 

18. What was an evidence of the greatness of his agony ? 

" His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling 
to the ground." 



LESSON XXXVIII. 

1. What is said of the disciples when Jesus returned to 
them? 

He found them asleep. 

2. What did he say to Peter ? 

" What ! could ye not watch with me one hour ?" 

3. What was his prayer when he went away a second time ? 

" O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, 
except I drink it, thy will be done." 

4. How did he find his disciples when he returned to them 
again ? 

They were all asleep as before, for their eyes were 
heavy. 

5. In what words did he admonish them? 

"Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into 
temptation." 



228 BIBLE GEMS. 

6. What did he say to his disciples when, after praying a third 
time, he came to them? 

" Sleep on now, and take your rest. Behold, the hour 
is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands 
of sinners." 

7. Who approached Jesus while he yet spake ? 

Judas, conducting a band of men and officers from the 
chief priests and Pharisees, bearing lanterns and torches 
and weapons. 

8. In what manner did Judas cause Jesus to be apprehended? 
He said, " Whomsoever I shall kiss, the same is he : 

hold him fast;" and he went to Jesus, saying, "Hail, 
Master ! and kissed him." 

9. What did Jesus say to Judas ? 
"Friend, wherefore art thou come?" 

10. In what words did Jesus rebuke him ? 

" Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss ?" 

11. What did Jesus say to the soldiers as he went forth to them? 
" Whom seek ye ?" 

12. What did they answer him? 
" Jesus of Nazareth." 

13. What did Jesus reply? 
" I am he." 

14. How were they affected by these words ? . 

" They went backward, and fell to the ground." 

15. How did he provide for the safety of his disciples ? 
He said, " Let these go their way." 

16. What violence was done by Peter to a servant of the high- 
priest ? 

Peter drew his sword and cut off the servant's right ear. 

17. What was the name of this servant? 
Malchus. 

18. How did Jesus rebuke Peter? 

He said, "Put up again thy sword into his place; for 
all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." 



THE GOSPELS. 229 

19. What miracle was wrought by Christ upon this servant? 
He touched his ear and healed him. 



LESSON XXXIX. 

1. What was the conduct of the disciples when the soldiers 
bound Jesus to lead him away? 

They all forsook him and fled. 

2. What words of Jesus were now verified ? 

That they should all be offended because of him. 

3. To whom was Jesus taken ? 

First to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, and he 
sent him bound to Caiaphas. 

4. How did the Jewish council try to condemn Jesus ? 
They sought false witness against him. 

5. When they could find none, for what cause did they finally 
pronounce him guilty of death ? 

For blasphemy, in claiming to be the Son of God. 

6. What insults did he receive after his sentence was passed ? 

u They spat in his face, and buffeted him ; and others 
1 smote him with the palms of their hands." 

7. W T hich of the disciples followed afar off to see what would be 
done with Jesus ? 

Peter and another, supposed to be John. 

8. Where was Peter while the other disciple went with Jesus 
i into the palace of the high-priest ? 

He stood in an outer hall, warming himself with the 
i servants. 

9. What charge was brought against Peter by a certain damsel 
j as he sat by the fire ? 

She said, " This fellow was also with Jesus of Naza- 
j reth." 
I 10. How did Peter deny the charge ? 

He said, "Woman, I know him not." 

20 



230 1UBLE GEMS. 

11. What led others to suspect that Peter was a disciple of Christ ? 
His manner of speaking showed that he was a Galilean. 

12. What servant of the high-priest made the same charge 
against Peter? 

A kinsman of the one whose ear Peter had cut off. 

13. What occurred when Peter denied the charge? 
Immediately the cock crew. 

14. What did the Saviour do at the same time? 
He turned and looked upon Peter. 

15. What words of Christ did Peter then remember? 

" Before the cock crow r , thou shalt deny me thrice/' 

16. How was Peter affected by the look of Christ, and the recol- 
lection of these words? 

He went out and wept bitterly. 



LESSON XL. 

1. To whom was Jesus taken early the next morning for further 
trial ? 

To Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. 

2. To what place was he taken ? 

To the hall of judgment, where Pilate held his court. 

3. What did Judas do when he saw that Jesus was condemned 
by the Jewish council ? 

He brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the 
chief priests and elders, saying, " I have sinned in that 
I have betrayed the innocent blood. " 

4. What did the priests answer him ? 

" What is that to us ? see thou to that." 

5. What did Judas do when he had cast down the money in the 
temple ? 

He departed, and went and hanged himself. 

6. What use did the chief priests make of this money ? 
They bought with it the potter's field, to bury strangers 

in. 



THE GOSPELS. 231 

7. Why did the Jews seek to have Jesus condemned by Pilate? 
Because they were at this time subject to the authority 

of the Romans. 

8. Why would not the Jews enter into the hall of judgment ? 
Lest by entering the apartment of a Gentile they 

should be unfitted to partake of the passover. 

9. When Pilate, having examined Jesus, came to the Jews out- 
side, what did he declare ? 

" I find no fault in this man." 

10. What effect had this declaration upon them? 

" They were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up 
the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning 
from Galilee to this place." 

11. To whom did Pilate send Jesus when he heard that he was 
a Galilean and belonged to Herod's jurisdiction ? 

He sent him to Herod. 

12. W T here w r as Herod at this time ? 
At Jerusalem. 

13. Why was Herod glad to see Jesus ? 

Because he had heard many things of him, and he 
hoped to see some miracle done by him. 

14. Did Jesus make any reply to Herod's many questions ? 
He did not. 

15. Did Herod convict him of any crime worthy of death ? 
He did not. 

16. How was Jesus treated by Herod and his men ? 

" They mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous 
robe, and sent him again to Pilate." 



LESSON XLI. 



1. W x hen Pilate found in Jesus no cause of death, what did he 
propose to the Jews whom he called together? 

He proposed to chastise him, and release him, as it was 
their custom to have one prisoner released at the feast. 



232 BIBLE GEMS. 

2. What was their reply to this proposal ? 

They cried out all at once, " Away with this man, and 
release unto us Barabbas." 

3. Who was Barabbas ? 

He was a notable prisoner, who had committed robbery 
and murder. 

4. As Pilate sat on the judgment-seat, what warning concerning 
Jesus was sent him by his wife ? 

" Have thou nothing to do with that just man, for I 
have suffered many things this day in a dream because 
of him?" 

5. When Pilate again sought to release Jesus, what was the cry 
of the multitude ? 

" Crucify him, crucify him." 

6. What did he say to them a third time ? 
" Why, what evil hath he done?" 

7. How was Pilate at last induced to yield to their request? 
They said, " If thou let this man go, thou art not 

Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king 
speaketh against Csesar." 

8. Who was Caesar ? 

The emperor of Rome, known in history as Tiberius 
Csesar. 

9. What was Pilate at last persuaded to do ? 

. To deliver up Jesus to be crucified, and to release 
Barabbas. 

10. How did he endeavor to disow r n his guilt? 

He took water and washed his hands before the multi- 
tude, saying, I am innocent of the' blood of this just 
person ; see ye to it." 

11. What did all the people answer ? 

" His blood be on us and on our children." 

12. How was Jesus mocked by the Roman soldiers when Pilate 
had scourged him ? 

They put upon him a crown of thorns and a purple 



THE GOSPELS. 233 

robe, and placing a reed in his right hand, they said, 
" Hail, king of the Jews." 

13. What did Pilate say to the Jews as he looked upon Jesus in 
the place called the Pavement ? 

"Behold your king." 

14. What did the soldiers do with Jesus when they had taken off 
from him the purple robe, and put his own clothes on him? 

They laid upon him his cross, and led him away to be 
crucified. 

LESSON XLII. 

1. When Jesus was unable any longer to bear his cross, whom 
did they compel to bear it after him ? 

Simon, a Cyrenian. 

2. To what place did they take him for execution ? 

To Calvary or Golgotha, signifying a place of skulls. 

3. What kind of a place was Calvary ? 

' It was a slight elevation a short distance north of 
Jerusalem, and was the place where criminals were com- 
monly executed. 

4. What superscription was alfixed to the cross by Pilate ? 
" Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews." 

5. In what languages was it written ? 

In Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. 

6. Who objected to this superscription ? 

The Jews, saying to Pilate, " Write not, The King of 
the Jews ; but that he said, I am King of the Jew T s." 

7. What did Pilate answer ? 

" What I have written, I have written." 

8. What is said of those who followed Christ to his crucifixion ? 
" There followed him a great company of people, and 

of women, which also bewailed and lamented him." 

9. What did Jesus say as he turned to the women ? 

" Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep 
for yourselves and for your children." 

20 * 



234 BIBLE GEMS. 

10. What stupefying drink was offered to the Saviour at the 
time of his execution ? 

Vinegar mingled with gall. 

11. Was he willing to receive it? 

When he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 

12. What malefactors were crucified with Jesus? 

Two thieves — the one on his right hand and the other 
on his left. 

13. What Scripture was fulfilled hy this? 

" And he was numbered with the transgressors." 

14. How did Jesus pray for his persecutors ? 

He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not 
what they do." 



LESSON XLIII. 



1. What was done with the Saviour's garments? 

The four soldiers who crucified him parted them 
among themselves, and for his vesture they cast lots. 

2. What was his vesture? 

It was a coat without seam, woven from the top 
throughout. 

3. How was Jesus reviled by his enemies when he was on the 
cross? 

They said, "He saved others ; let him save himself if 
he be the Christ, the chosen of God." 

4. How was he derided by one of the malefactors by his side? 
He railed on him, saying, "If thou be Christ, save 

thyself and us." 

5. How was this malefactor rebuked by the other? 

He said, "Dost thou not fear God, seeing thou art in 
the same condemnation ? and we indeed justly ; for we 
receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath 
done nothing amiss." 



THE GOSPELS. 235 

6. What prayer did he afterward make to Jesus? 

"Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy king- 
dom." 

7. What did Jesus answer him ? 

" Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me 
in paradise." 

8. What women stood by the cross of Jesus ? 

His mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of 
Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 

9. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple standing by 
whom he loved, what did he say to his mother? 

" Woman, behold thy son." 

10. What did he say to the disciple? 
" Behold thy mother." 

11. How did the beloved disciple provide for the mother of 
Jesus ? 

From that hour he took her to his own home. 

12. At what hour of the day is it supposed the crucifixion took 
place ? 

The third hour, which was nine o'clock in the morning. 

13. What miraculous gloom came over the land at the sixth 
hour, or noon ? 

"There was darkness over the whole land until the 
ninth hour." 

14. When especially did Jesus experience the wrath of his 
Father against the sin of man ? 

During the three hours of darkness. 

15. What complaint was he constrained to utter about the ninth 
hour? 

He cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama 
sabachthani ? which is, being interpreted, My God ! my 
God ! why hast thou forsaken me ?" 



236 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON XLIY. 



1. When Jesus said, "I thirst," what was given him by the 
soldiers ? 

They filled a sponge with vinegar and put it upon 
hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 

2. What did he exclaim when he had tasted the vinegar? 
" It is finished !" 

3. In what words did he resign his soul to his Father as he was 
about to expire? 

" Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." 

4. What miracles occurred at this moment? 

The veil of the temple was rent from the top to the 
bottom ; the earth quaked, the rocks were rent and the 
bodies of saints who slept arose. 

5. What was the effect of these miracles upon the centurion and 
his men who were watching Jesus ? 

They greatly feared, and said, "Truly, this was the 
Son of God." 

6. How were the people impressed who had come to witness the 
crucifixion ? 

They smote upon their breasts, and returned. 

7. What persons stood afar off, beholding these things ? 

All Christ's acquaintance, and the women from Galilee 
who had ministered unto him. 

8. On what day of the week was the crucifixion ? 
On Friday. 

9. Why did the Jews desire to have the bodies taken from the 
cross that same day ? 

Because the next day was their Sabbath, and that 
Sabbath was a high day, being one of the days of the 
passover week. 

10. What was done to hasten the death of the two malefactors? 
With Pilate's permission, the soldiers broke their legs. 



THE GOSPELS. 237 

11. Why did they not break the legs of Jesus? 
Because they saw that he was already dead. 

12. What scripture was fulfilled in this ? 

" A bone of him shall not be broken." 

13. What was done by one of the soldiers to make quite sure 
that Christ was dead? 

He pierced his side with a spear, and forthwith came 
thereout blood and water. 

14. What scripture was fulfilled in this? 

" They shall look on him whom they pierced." 



LESSON XLV. 



1. Who on the evening after the crucifixion obtained leave of 
Pilate to take the body of Jesus ? 

An honorable man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who 
was also a disciple of Christ. 

2. Who came to embalm him ? 

Nicodemus, who at first-came to Jesus by night. 

3. What spices did he bring ? 

A mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred 
pounds weight. 

4. What did they do with the body? 

They wrapped it in fine linen with the spices, as the 
manner of the Jews is to bury. 

5. Where did they lay the body? 

In Joseph's own new sepulchre, which he had hewn 
out in the rock, wherein was never man yet laid. 

6. How did they close the sepulchre? 
They rolled to the door a great stone. 

7. Where was this sepulchre? 

It was in a garden, very near the place of the cruci- 
fixion. 



238 BIBLE GEMS. 

8. What women beheld where Jesus was laid ? 

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus. 

9. With what address did the chief priests and Pharisees come 
to Pilate the next day ? 

" Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he 
was yet alive, After three days I will rise again." 

10. What did they request Pilate to do? 

To command that the sepulchre be made sure until the 
third day. 

11. For what reason ? 

" Lest his disciples come by night and steal him away, 
and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead." 

12. What was Pilate's reply to them ? 

" Ye have a watch : go your way ; make it as sure as 
you can." 

13. How did the chief priests secure the sepulchre ? 
They sealed the stone, and set a watch. 



LESSON XLVI. 



1. Who, after the Sabbath, came early in the morning to the 
sepulchre ? # 

Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Joses, Salome 
and other women. 

2. What did they bring with them ? 

Sweet spices to anoint the body of Jesus. 

3. About what were they troubled ? 

They said among themselves, " Who shall roll us away 
the stone from the door of the sepulchre ?" 

4. What occurred before they reached the sepulchre ? 

There was a great earthquake, and an angel of the 
Lord had rolled back the stone from the door, and sat 
upon it. 



THE GOSPELS. 239 

5. What was the appearance of the angel? 

" His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment 
white as snow." 

6. Plow were the keepers affected ? 

They shook with fear, and became as dead men. 

7. When Mary Magdalene saw that the stone was removed from 
the sepulchre, what was her fear? 

That the body of Jesus had been taken away. 

8. To whom did she hasten to bring the information ? 
To Peter and John. 

9. What is said of the keepers? 

Some of them fled into the city and informed the 
rulers of what had happened. 

10. What was done by the rulers? 

They paid the soldiers large sums of money, that they 
should say the disciples stole away the body of Jesus 
while they slept. 

11. When the other Mary and Salome had entered into the se- 
pulchre, whom did they see? 

An angel having the appearance of a young man, sit- 
ting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment. 

12. What did the angel say to the women when he saw that they 
were afraid ? 

" Be not affrighted : ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which 
w^as crucified ; he is risen ; he is not here ; behold the 
place where they laid him I" 

13. When the women, being greatly perplexed, continued 
searching, how were they gently reproved by another angel who 
appeared to them ? 

He said, " Why seek ye the living among the dead ? 
He is not here, but is risen.'' 

14. What did the angels direct the women to do? 

To go quickly to the disciples and tell them Jesus was 
risen from the dead, and that they should meet him in 
Galilee. 



240 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON XLVII. 



1. When Mary Magdalene had found Peter and John, what did 
she say to them ? 

" They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, 
and we know not where they have laid him." 

2. What did Peter and John then do ? 
They both ran to the sepulchre. 

3. Which of them reached the sepulchre first? 
John. 

4. Who first went into the sepulchre? 
Peter. 

5. What did he see there ? 

He saw the linen clothes of Jesus lying there, and the 
napkin that was about his head wrapped together in a 
place by itself. 

6. What is said of John ? 

He also went into the sepulchre, and saw and believed. 

7. Where did these disciples then go? 
They returned to their own home. 

8. What is said of Mary Magdalene? 

She stood without at the sepulchre weeping ; and as 
she wept, she stooped down and looked into the sepulchre. 

9. What did she see there ? 

" Two angels in white, sitting, the one at the head and 
the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain." 

10. What did they say to Mary ? 
"Woman, why weepest thou?" 

11. What was Mary's reply ? 

" Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know 
not where they have laid him." 

12. When she had thus said, and had turned herself back, whom 
did she see standing? 

Jesus, though she knew him not. 



THE GOSPELS. 241 

13. What did Jesus say to her ? 

" Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?" 

14. What did Mary say ? 

She, supposing him to be the gardener, said, " Sir, if 
thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid 
him, and I will take him away." 

15. How did Jesus make himself known to Mary Magdalene? 
He said to her, " Mary." 

16. How did it appear that she knew her Lord ? 

"She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni, which 
is to say, Master." 

17. What message did Jesus send by Mary to his disciples? 
He said, " Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I 

ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my 
God and your God." 



LESSON XLVIII. 

1. As the other women returned from the sepulchre to tell the 
disciples, who met them ? 

Jesus. 

2. What did he say to them ? 
"All hail!" 

3. How did they show their affectionate regard for Jesus ? 

" They came and held him by the feet, and worshiped 
him." 

4. What did Jesus say to them ? 

" Go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and 
there shall they see me." 

5. How did the disciples regard the report of the women ? 
" Their words seemed to them as idle tales." 

6. Where was Jesus seen that same day by two of his disciples ? 
He drew near to them and joined them as they were 

on their way to the village of Emmaus. 
2i q 



242 BIBLE GEMS. 

7. Did the disciples know him ? 
They did not. 

8. Of what were they talking ? 

Of the things that had lately happened at Jerusalem. 

9. What did Jesus say to them ? 

" What manner of communications are these that ye 
have one to another as ye walk, and are sad ?" 

10. Who replied to Jesus ? 

Cleopas, who expressed great surprise at his ignorance 
of the events that had occurred concerning Jesus of 
Nazareth. 

11. When Cleopas had related these events, how did Jesus 
address them ? 

He rebuked them for their want of understanding, and 
explained to them from the Scriptures the prophecies 
concerning himself. 

12. Where did Jesus stop when, toward evening, they had ar- 
rived at the village ? 

At the disciples' entreaty he went in to tarry with 
them. 

13. In what manner did he make himself known to them ? 
"As he sat at meat with them, he took bread and 

blessed it, and brake and gave to them ; and their eyes 
were opened, and they knew him." 

14. How did he again leave them ? 
He vanished out of their sight. 

15. What did they then say one to another ? 

" Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked 
with us by the way, and while he opened to us the 
Scriptures?" 



LESSON XLIX. 



1. Where did these disciples go when Jesus had departed? 
They returned to Jerusalem. 



THE GOSPELS. 243 

2. What Christian assembly did they meet ? 

The disciples had met together privately for fear of 
the Jews. 

3. What day of the week was this ? 
The first day. 

4. How has the day been regarded from that time? 
As the Christian Sabbath. 

5. What did the two disciples find those in the assembly saying 
among themselves ? 

"The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to 
Simon." 

6. What facts were related by the two disciples ? 

They told what had occurred in the way, and how 
Jesus was known of them in the breaking of bread. 

7. How were they all surprised as these words were being 
spoken ? 

" Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith 
unto them, Peace be unto you." 

8. How were the disciples affected by this sudden appearance? 
They were terrified, supposing they had seen a spirit. 

9. How did Jesus seek to remove their doubts ? 

He said, " Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I 
myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh 
and bones, as ye see me have." 

10. What further proof did he show them, seeing they yet be- 
lieved not for joy ? 

He said, " Have ye here any meat ?" and when they 
gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb, 
he ate before them." 

11. How many times had Jesus been seen that day ? 
This was the fifth time. 

12. How were they enlightened from this time ? 

Jesus opened their minds, that they might understand 
the Scriptures ? 



244 BIBLE GEMS. 

13. What directions did he give them as apostles to be employed 
in setting up his kingdom in the world? 

" That repentance and remission of sins should be 
preached in his name among all nations, beginning at 
Jerusalem." 

14. How did he fit them for their work ? 

" He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Keceive 
ye the Holy Ghost." 



LESSON L. 



1. Which of the apostles was not with the rest when Jesus came ? 
Thomas. 

2. How did he express his doubt when the other disciples told 
him they had seen the Lord ? 

He said, " Except I shall see in his hands the print of 
the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not 
believe." 

3. When did Jesus again appear to his disciples ? 

At their next meeting, on the following Lord's day. 

4. How did Jesus salute them as he stood in their midst ? 
As before, saying, " Peace be unto you." 

5. What did Jesus say to Thomas? 

" Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands ; and 
reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side : and 
be not faithless, but believing." 

6. When Thomas was convinced, what did he say? 
" My Lord and my God." 

7. In what words did Jesus rebuke Thomas for his unbelief? 

" Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast be- 
lieved; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet 
have believed." 

8. Where, after this, did Jesus again show himself to his dis- 
ciples ? 

At the Sea of Tiberias. 



THE GOSPELS. 245 

9. Which of the disciples were there ? 

Peter, and "Thomas, and Nathanael, and the sons of 
Zebedee. 

10. What did they agree to do ? 

To enter into a ship and go a-fishing. 

11. How did they succeed ? 

That night they caught nothing. 

12. When it was morning, whom did they see standing on the 
shore ? * 

Jesus. 

13. Did the disciples know that it was Jesus ? 
They did not. 

14. What did Jesus say to them ? 

" Children, have ye any meat ?" 

15. What did thev answer him? 

"No." 

16. What did Jesus direct them to do ? 

He said, " Cast the net on the right side of the ship, 
and ye shall find." 

17. With what success did they cast their net? 

They were not able to draw it for the multitude of 
fishes. 

18. Which of the disciples first knew Jesus ? 
John ; he said to Peter, " It is the Lord." 

19. When they came to the shore, what did they see ? 

" They saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, 
and bread." 

20. What did Jesus request them to do ? 

To bring of the fish which they had caught. 

21. How many had they caught ? 
One hundred and fifty-three. 

21* 



246 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON LI. 

1. What did Jesus say to the disciples when the meal was pre- 
pared ? 

" Come and dine." 

2. How did Jesus help them at this meal ? 

He took bread and gave them, and fish likewise. 

3. How many times had Jesus* now appeared to his disciples 
when they were together since his resurrection ? 

This was the third time. 

4. When they had dined, what question did Jesus direct to 
Simon Peter ? 

" Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these ?" 

5. What was Peter's reply ? 

"Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee." 

6. What did Jesus say to him ? 
" Feed my lambs." 

7. How often did Jesus repeat the question, " Lovest thou me?" 
Three times. 

8. What did Peter answer the third time? 

" Lord, thou knowest all things ; thou knowest that I 
love thee." 

9. What did Jesus say to him ? 
" Feed my sheep." 

10. What did Jesus foretell to Peter? 

He predicted by what death he should glorify God. 

11. Where did the disciples again meet Jesus? 

In a mountain of Galilee, where Jesus had appointed 
them. 

12. How did they show him reverence? 

They worshiped him, though some doubted. 

13. How did Jesus declare his authority over all things? 

He said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and 
in earth." 



acts. 247 

14. What command did he give to his disciples? 

"Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing 
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost." 

15. How long was Jesus on earth after his resurrection? 
Forty days. 

16. Where was Jesus with his disciples just before his ascension? 
He led them out as far as Bethany. 

17. What occurred when he had lifted up his hands and blessed 
them ? 

" He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right 
hand of God." 

18. What is said of the disciples ? 

"And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem 
with great joy; and were continually in the temple, 
praising and blessing God." 

19. Where is given a fuller account of Christ's ascension? 
In the book of Acts. 



ACTS. 

LESSON LII. 



1. Name the fifth book of the New Testament. 
The Acts of the Apostles. 

2. Who was the author of this book ? 
Luke. 

3. How does Luke begin this history? 

By a short review of the later events of Christ's 
ministry. 

4. To whom is this book inscribed ? 
To his friend Theophilus. 

5. The history of which of the twelve apostles is here given? 
That of Peter and Paul. 



248 BIBLE GEMS. 

6. What distinguished men are mentioned who were not of the 
twelve ? 

Stephen, Barnabas and others. 

7. What does Luke say in this book about Christ's ascension ? 
That in the presence of his disciples he was taken up ; 

and a cloud received him out of their sight. 

8. Who stood by as the disciples looked steadfastly toward 
heaven ? 

Two angels in the form of men, in white apparel. 

9. What did the angels say to the disciples ? 

"Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into 
heaven ? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you 
into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have 
seen him go into heaven." 

10. From what place did Christ ascend to heaven? 
From the Mount of Olives, near Bethany. 

11. When the disciples had returned to Jerusalem, where did 
they meet for prayer ? 

They went into an upper room, where they met daily. 

12. What is said of this assembly? 

" These all continued with one accord in prayer and 
supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of 
Jesus, and with his brethren." 

13. Which of these addressed the assembly? 
Peter. 

14. How many were present ? 
About one hundred and twenty. 

15. What two men did they appoint, from whom to choose an 
apostle in the place of Judas ? 

Joseph, called Barnabas, and Matthias. 

16. In what manner was the choice made ? 

They appealed to the Lord for guidance, and then gave 
forth their lots. 

17. Upon whom did the lot fall? 

Upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven 
apostles. 



Ul 



acts. 249 

LESSON LIII. 

1. What occurred in the assembly of apostles and Christians 
on the day of Pentecost ? 

Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a 
rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where 
they were sitting. 

2. What appeared unto them? 

" Cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each 
of them." 

3. What was the effect upon the disciples ? 

" They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began 
to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utter- 
ance." 

4. When was the promise of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit 
made by Christ ? 

Just before his ascension into heaven. 

5. Why was there a large concourse of people of different na- 
tions at Jerusalem at this time ? 

They came to attend the feast of Pentecost. 

6. Why was this feast kept ? 

It was kept in remembrance of the giving of the law 
on Mount Sinai. 

7. How did the multitude express their astonishment at what 
they heard? 

They said one to another, " Behold, are not all these 
which speak Galileans? and how hear we every man in 
our own tongue, wherein we were born ?" 

8. What did others say ? 

u Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine." 

9. Who disproved this charge ? 

Peter, saying, " These are not drunken, as ye suppose, 
seeing it is but the third hour of the day." 

10. Of what did Peter endeavor to convince the people ? 
That this was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel, and 

that the apostles spoke by the power of the Holy Ghost. 



250 BIBLE GEMS. 

11. How did Peter continue to address them? 

He preached to them with great power the gospel of 
Christ. 

12. How were the people impressed by the preaching of Peter? 
They were smitten with a sense of their guilt, and said 

unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, " Men and breth- 
ren, what shall we do ?" 

13. In what words did Peter appeal to them? 

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the 
name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye 
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." 

14. How many were that day baptized and added to the com- 
pany of believers ? 

About three thousand souls. 

15. What is said of the firmness of these new believers ? 

" They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine 
and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in pray- 
ers." 






LESSON LIV. 



1. What miracle was wrought by Peter, as he went with John 
into the temple at the hour of prayer? 

He restored a man who was lame from his birth. 

2. Where was this man daily placed, and for what purpose ? 
At the gate of the temple which was called Beautiful, 

to ask alms of those that went into the temple. * 

3. What did Peter say to the man when he had asked alms of 
him and John ? 

Fastening his eyes upon him, he said, " Look on us." 

4. When Peter saw that the man gave heed, expecting to receive 
something from them, what did he say? 

" Silver and gold have I none ; but such as I have I 
give thee : In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 
rise up and walk/' 



ACTS. 251 

5. How was the man restored ? 

Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up, 
and immediately his feet and ankle-bones received 
strength. 

6. What was the effect upon the people when they saw the man 
walking and leaping and praising God ? 

They were filled with amazement. 

7. In what place did Peter exhort the assembled multitude? 
In Solomon's Porch. 

8. Who were offended at this exhortation ? 

The priests, the captain of the temple and the Saddu- 
cees. 

9. Why were these offended ? 

Because he taught the people, and preached, through 
Jesus, the resurrection of the dead. 

10. What was the number that believed at this time? 
About five thousand men. 

11. What was done to Peter and John by their enemies? 
They were put in prison until the next day, for it was 

now evening. 

12. Where had they to appear the next day for trial ? 
Before the Jewish council. 

13. What question was put to them by their accusers ? 

By what power or authority they cured the lame man. 

14. What was Peter's reply ? 

" By the name of Jesus of Nazareth, whom ye cruci- 
fied, whom God raised from the dead : even by him doth 
this man stand here before you all." 

15. When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and yet 
knew they were unlearned men, of what were they convinced? 

" They took knowledge of them, that they had been 
with Jesus." 

16. When the council had sent Peter and John aside, that they 
might confer among themselves, what did they say ? 

"What shall we do to these men? for that a notable 



252 BIBLE GEMS. 

miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them 
that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it." 

17. How did they determine to prevent its spreading any farther 
among the people ? 

By forbidding them to speak henceforth to any one in 
the name of Christ. 



LESSON LV. 



1. What did Peter and John answer when they were com- 
manded not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus? 

" Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken 
unto you more than unto God, judge ye; for we cannot 
but speak the things which we have seen and heard." 

2. Why were the rulers at last willing to let them go ? 
They feared the people. 

3. To whom did Peter and John go to bring the report of all 
that the chief priests and elders had said to them? 

To their own company. 

4. What did these Christians do on hearing their report ? 
They lifted up their voice with one accord in prayer 

to God. 

5. What evidence had they that their prayer was heard ? 

The place where they were assembled was shaken, and 
they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. 

6. What is said of the multitude of them that believed ? 
They were of one heart and of one soul. 

7. What benevolent disposition was shown by these Christians? 
They had all things in common, and sold their posses- 
sions, which they distributed to all, as every one had need. 

8. Who is mentioned in particular as being remarkable for his 
generosity ? 

Joses, who by the apostles was called Barnabas ; hav- 
ing sold his possessions, he brought the money and laid it 
at the apostles' feet. 



acts. 253 

9. What man sold a possession and agreed with his wife to keep 
back part of the price ? 

Ananias. 

10. What was the name of his wife? 
Sapphira. 

11. When Ananias brought only a certain part of the price and 
laid it at the apostles' feet, how did Peter rebuke him ? 

He said, "Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to 
lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price 
of the land?" 

12. What judgment came upon Ananias as he heard these words? 
He fell down and instantly died. 

13. What was done with his body ? 

" The young men arose, wound him up and carried 
him out, and buried him." 

14. What is said of Sapphira his wife? 

She came in about three hours after, not knowing what 
had befallen her husband. 

15. What did Peter say to her? 

"Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much?" 

16. What was Sapphira' s reply? 
" Yea, for so much." 

17. What did Peter then say to her ? 

" How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the 
Spirit of the Lord? Behold the feet of them which 
have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry 
thee out." 

18. How were the words of Peter verified ? 

She immediately fell down at his feet and expired, and 
the young men carried her forthwith and buried her by 
her husband. 

19. How were the people affected ? 

" Great fear came upon all the Church, and upon as 
many as heard these things." 

22 



254 BIBLE GEMS. 

20. Where were the people assembled at this time ? 
In Solomon's Porch. 



LESSON LVI. 

1. What is said of the power of the apostles to work miracles? 
Many signs and wonders were wrought by them among 

the people. 

2. How were the sick in some cases brought to Peter to be 
cured ? 

They brought them into the streets, and laid them on 
beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter pass- 
ing by might overshadow some of them. 

3. What others came to Jerusalem from the surrounding cities, 
and were healed ? 

A multitude of sick persons, and such as were vexed 
with unclean spirits. 

4. Who rose up with indignation against the apostles ? 

The high-priest and they that were with him, espe- 
cially the Sadducees. 

5. What was done by these ? 

They laid their hands on the apostles and put them in 
the common prison. 

6. How were they again set at liberty ? 

"An angel of the Lord by night opened the prison 
doors and brought them forth." 

7. What command was given them by the angel ? 

He said, " Go, stand and speak in the temple to the 
people all the words of this life." 

8. How did they obey this command ? 

" They entered into the temple early in the morning, 
and taught." 

9. What was done by the high-priest and his party ? 

" They called the council, together, and all the senate 



acts. 255 

of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have 
them brought." 

10. What was the report of the officers when they returned ? 

" The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and 
the keepers standing without before the doors ; but when 
we had opened, we found no man within.'' 

11. What message was brought to the accusers as they were con- 
versing together, being greatly perplexed ? 

That their prisoners were standing in the temple and 
teaching the people. 

12. How were the apostles seized a second time ? 

The captain with the officers brought them out of the 
temple without violence, "for they feared the people, 
lest they should have been stoned." 

13. When they were brought and set before the council, in what 
words did the high-priest address them ? 

" Did not we straitly command you that you should 
not teach in this name ? and behold, ye have filled Jeru- 
salem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's 
blood upon us." 

14. What reply did Peter and the other apostles make ? 
" We ought to obey God rather than men." 



LESSON LVII. 



1. With what were the apostles next threatened ? 
Their enemies took counsel to kill them. 

2. How were their lives preserved ! 

Through the advice of Gamaliel, a great counselor 
among the Jews. 

3. What was this advice ? 

" Refrain from these men, and let them alone ; for 
if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come 



256 BIBLE GEMS. 

to naught: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow 
it" 

4. How did they receive the advice of Gamaliel ? 

They agreed not to put the apostles to death, but they 
beat them, and commanded that they should not speak 
in the name of Jesus. 

5. What is said of the apostles ? 

They departed from the council, rejoicing that they 
were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ; and 
they ceased not to teach and preach in his name. 

6. What murmurings arose in those days when the number of 
the disciples had increased ? 

The Grecians brought complaint against the Hebrews, 
because their widows were neglected in the daily minis- 
tration. 

7. What measures were taken by the apostles to relieve this 
difficulty? 

They called together the disciples, and directed that 
they should select from their number seven men of honest 
report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, who might 
be appointed over this matter. 

8. Why were not the apostles willing to attend to the work 
themselves ? 

They said, " It is not reason that we should leave the 
word of God and serve tables." 

9. How did they engage to devote themselves wholly to their 
work as ministers ? 

They said, " But we will give ourselves continually to 
prayer and to the ministry of the Word." 

10. How was the apostles' advice regarded ? 

It pleased the whole multitude, and they chose seven 
men for this office. 

11. Can you name the men chosen ? 

Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas 
and Nicolas. 



acts. 257 

12. Which of them was remarkable for his holiness ? 
Stephen, who was a man full of faith and of the Holy 

Ghost. 

13. How were they consecrated to this office ? 

By prayer and the laying on of hands by the apostles. 

14. What is this office called ? 
The deaconship. 

15. What is said of the works of Stephen ? 

He did great wonders and miracles among the people. 



LESSON LVIII. 



1. What class of persons arose, disputing with Stephen about 
the truth of what he declared ? 

Certain ones of the synagogue of the Libertines, and 
Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia 
and of Asia. 

2. When they could not resist the spirit by which he spake, 
what did they do ? 

They procured men to testify falsely that he was guilty 
of blasphemy against the law and the temple. 

3. Where was he taken for trial ? 

Before the great council of the nation. 

4. What was the expression of Stephen's countenance when he 
was in the presence of his accusers ? 

To all that sat in the council his face seemed as the 
face of an angel. 

5. What was said by the high-priest when he had heard the 
charge brought against Stephen ? 

" Are these things so ?" 

6. How did Stephen make his defence? 

Addressing the council as a Men, brethren and fathers," 
he narrated the early history of Israel. 
22 * B, 



258 BIBLE GEMS. 

7. How did he rebuke his accusers in the latter part of his de- 
fence ? 

He showed them that in putting to death the Messiah 
they resembled their fathers, who had persecuted and 
slain the prophets of the Lord. 

8. How did they receive his defence ? 

They were filled with malice, "and they gnashed 
on him with their teeth." 

9. What did Stephen say as he looked steadfastly into heaven ? 
" Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man 

standing on the right hand of God." 

10. How did his enemies show their wrath ? 

They stopped their ears, and rushing upon him, they 
cast him out of the city and stoned him. 

11. Where did the witnesses place their outer garments? 
They laid them down at the feet of a young man 

whose name was Saul. 

12. What prayer was Stephen heard to offer as his persecutors 
stoned him ? 

" Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 

13. How did he pray for his persecutors just as he was ahout to 
expire ? 

" He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, 
lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said 
this, he fell asleep." 

14. What is said of the burial of Stephen ? 

Devout men carried him to his burial, and made great 
lamentation over him. 

15. What is said of Saul, who had consented to Stephen's death? 
" He made havoc of the Church, entering into every 

house, and haling men and women, committed them to 
prison." 

16. Where at this time were all the Christians, except the 
apostles, scattered abroad ? 

Throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. 



acts. 259 

17. For what reason ? 

Because of the persecution which was against the 
Church at Jerusalem. 



LESSON LIX. 



1. How were those Christians employed who were scattered 
abroad ? 

They announced the good news of salvation wherever 
they went. 

2. Where was the Church established by Philip the deacon ? 
In Samaria. 

3. What were the labors of Philip in Samaria? 

He preached Christ, wrought miracles and baptized 
many. 

4. What person of some note was baptized by Philip ? 

A man named Simon, who had before practiced sorcery. 

5. When the apostles who were at Jerusalem had heard that 
Samaria had received the word of God, whom did they send to 
them ? 

"Peter and John, who, when they were come down, 
prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost." 

6. When Simon saw that through laying on the apostles' hands 
the Holy Ghost was given to the people, what did he request? 

He offered them money, saying, " Give me also this 
power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive 
the Holy Ghost." 

7. What did Peter reply ? 

"Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast 
thought that the gift of God may be purchased with 
money." 

8. When Peter and John had finished their work at Samaria, 
to what city did they go ? 

They returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in 
many villages on the way. 



260 BIBLE GEMS. 

9. To what place was Philip sent by an angel ? 

To the city of Gaza, which was southward of Jerusa- 
lem. 

10. Whom did Philip meet there ? 

A man of Ethiopia, sitting in a chariot ; a eunuch of 
great authority, who was returning from Jerusalem, where 
he had gone to worship. 

11. How was the Ethiopian engaged as he rode? 
He was reading Esaias the prophet. 

12. What was Philip directed by the Spirit to do? 
To go near to this chariot. 

13. What question did Philip ask the Ethiopian as he heard 
him reading? 

" Understandest thou what thou readest?" 

14. What was the Ethiopian's reply ? 

" How can I, except some man should guide me ? And 
he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him." 

15. Can you repeat some of the words of the prophecy which 
he was reading ? 

" He was led as a sheep to the slaughter ; and like a 
lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his 
mouth." 

16. What did Philip do? 

He explained from this scripture the gospel of Jesus. 

17. What did the Ethiopian request? 

Having come to a certain water, he said, " See, here is 
water ; what doth hinder me to be baptized ?" 

18. What did Philip say ? 

" If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest." 

19. What did the Ethiopian answer ? 

" I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." 

20. What followed ? 

When the Ethiopian had commanded the chariot to 
stand still, they both went down into the water, and 
Philip baptized him. 



ACTS. 261 

21. When they were come up out of the water, how were they 
parted ? 

" The Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the 
eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way 
rejoicing." 



LESSON LX. 



1. How did Saul continue to persecute the Church ? 

He desired letters of the high-priest to Damascus, that 
if he found any disciples of Christ, whether men or 
women, he might bring them bound, unto Jerusalem. 

2. What occurred when, as he journeyed, he came near to 
Damascus ? 

" Suddenly there shined round about him a light from 
1 heaven ; and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice say- 
ing unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me ?" 

3. What did Saul say? 

" Who art thou, Lord?" 

4. What did the Lord answer? _ 

" I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest." 

5. How did Saul show his submission to the Lord ? 
Trembling and astonished, he said, "Lord, what wilt 

I thou have me to do ?" 

6. What did the Lord direct him to do ? 

To arise and go into the city of Damascus, where it 
should be told him what he must do. 
j 7. How were the men affected who journeyed with Saul? 

They stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no 
man. 

8. What is said of Saul when he arose from the earth ? 

" When his eyes were opened he saw no man ; but 
they led him by the hand, and brought him into Da- 
mascus." 



262 BIBLE GEMS. 

9. In what condition was lie for three days? 

He was without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 

10. What disciple of Damascus did the Lord send to Saul? 
Ananias. 

11. What were the words of the Lord to Ananias? 

"Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, 
and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of 
Tarsus ; for behold he prayeth." 

12. How did Ananias receive the command of the Lord? 

He said, "Lord, I have heard by many of this man — 
how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem." 

13. How did the Lord answer his objection? 

He said, "Go thy way ; for he is a chosen vessel unto 
me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and 
the children of Israel." 

14. In what words did Ananias address Saul when, in obedience 
to God's command, he had entered the house where he was ? 

Putting his hands upon him, he said, " Brother Saul, 
the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way 
as thou earnest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive 
thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost." 

15. What change came suddenly upon Saul ? 

" There fell from his eyes as it had been scales ; and 
he received sight forthwith, and arose and was baptized." 



LESSON LXI. 



1. How did Saul now manifest his zeal for Christ? 

He immediately preached in the synagogues of Da- 
mascus, that Jesus was the Son of God. 

2. W T hat is said of all those that heard him? 

They were amazed ; knowing that it was he who had 
sought to destroy all those who had called on the name 
of Jesus in Jerusalem. 



acts. 263 

3. After Saul had labored many days in Damascus, and had 
confounded the Jews with his preaching, how was he persecuted? 

The Jews sought to kill him, and watched for him at 
the city gates day and night. 

4. How did he escape their hands ? 

The disciples took him by night, and let him down by 
the wall in a basket. 

5. When did Saul return again to Jerusalem ? 

In about three years after the time of his conversion. 

6. Where had he spent part of this time ? 
In Arabia. 

7. How was Saul regarded by the disciples in Jerusalem when, 
on his return there, he attempted to join himself to them ? 

They were all afraid of him, and believed not that he 
was a disciple. 

8. Who brought Saul before the apostles, and made a statement 
of his conversion ? 

Barnabas. 

9. What were Saul's difficulties in Jerusalem ? 

Having spoken boldly in the name of Jesus in the 
hearing of the Grecians^ they sought to put him to 
death. 

10. How was his life preserved ? 

When the brethren knew of his danger, they brought 
him to Csesarea, and sent him to Tarsus. 

11. What was the state of the churches throughout all Judea 
and Galilee and Samaria when the persecutions had ceased ? 

They were edified, strengthened and increased. 

12. What cure was wrought by Peter at the town of Lydda ? 
He healed a man named Eneas, who had kept his bed 

eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 

13. How did he heal him ? 

He said to him, "Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee 
whole ; arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immedi- 
ately." 



264 BIBLE GEMS. 

14. What was the effect of this miracle? 
" All that dwelt in Lydda and Saron saw him, and 
turned to the Lord." 



LESSON LXII. 



1. What female disciple lived at Joppa, who was noted for her 
deeds of kindness to the poor ? 

A woman named Tabitha, or, by interpretation, Dorcas. 

2. What is said of this woman ? 
She was taken sick and died. 

3. When they had laid her in an upper chamber, for whom did 
they send ? 

For Peter ; the disciples having heard that he was at 
Lydda, which was near to Joppa. 

4. Who were in the chamber when Peter came ? 

" All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing 
the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she 
was with them." 

5. What miracle was wrought by Peter ? 
He restored Dorcas to life. 

6. In what manner was she restored ? 

"Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and 
prayed ; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, 
arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw 
Peter, she sat up." 

7. What good resulted from this miracle ? 
" Many believed in the Lord." 

8. With whom did Peter tarry in Joppa many days ? 
With one Simon, a tanner. 

9. Who was Cornelius ? 

A centurion of a band called the Italian band. 

10. What was his character ? 

He was pious, charitable and much devoted to prayer. 



acts. 265 

11. What vision had Cornelius? 

He saw an angel of God coming to him. 

12. How was Cornelius affected when the angel called him? 
He was afraid, and said, " What is it, Lord ?" 

13. What did the angel reply ? 

" Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memo- 
rial before God." 

14. What did the angel command Cornelius to do ? 
To send to Joppa, and call for Simon Peter. 

15. How did Cornelius obey the angel's command ? 

He sent two of his household servants and a devout 
soldier. 

16. How was Peter engaged when these drew near to the city ? 
Being about noon, he had gone up upon the housetop 

to pray. 

17. What befell Peter? 

He became very hungry, but before the meal was 
ready he fell into a trance. 



LESSON LXIII. 



1. What vision appeared to him ? 

" He saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descend- 
ing unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the 
four corners, and let down to the earth." 

2. What did this vessel contain ? 

" All manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and 
wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air." 

3. What did Peter hear a voice say to him ? 
" Rise, Peter ; kill and eat." 

4. What did Peter answer? 

" Not so, Lord ; for I have never eaten anything that 
is common or unclean." 

5. What did the voice say to him the second time ? 

" What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." 

23 



266 BIBLE GEMS. 

6. How often was this done before the vessel was received up 
again into heaven ? 

Three times. 

7. While Peter thought on the vision, who stood out before the 
gate inquiring for him ? 

The three men sent by Cornelius. 

8. What was said to Peter by the Spirit ? 

" Behold, three men seek thee ! Arise, therefore, and 
get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing ; for 
I have sent them." 

9. How did Peter obey the word of the Spirit ? 

Having called in the men and lodged them, he went 
away with them the next day, accompanied by certain 
brethren from Joppa. 

10. When did they arrive at Csesarea ? 
On the following day. 

11. What had been done by Cornelius when they came? 

He had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 

12. In what manner did Cornelius receive Peter ? 
He fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 

1 3. How did Peter rebuke him ? 

He took him up, saying, " Stand up ; I myself also 
am a man." 

14. When Peter went in, and found that many had assembled 
together, what did he say ? 

" Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man 
that is a Jew to keep company or come unto one of 
another nation ; but God hath showed me that I should 
not call any man common or unclean." 

15. How did Cornelius explain his reason for sending for Peter? 
He related to him how he had been directed by an 

angel in a vision four days before. 

16. In what words did Peter begin to address them? 

" Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of 



acts. 267 

persons ; but in every nation he that feareth him and 
worketh righteousness is accepted with him." 

17. What occurred while Peter was delivering to them the mes- 
sage of the gospel ? 

The Holy Ghost fell upon all who heard him. 

18. Why were those Jews who came with Peter astonished ? 

" Because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the 
gift of the Holy Ghost." 

19. What did Peter then say ? 

" Can any man forbid water, that these should not be 
baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as 
we?" 

20. What did Peter command to be done ? 

That they should be baptized in the name of the Lord. 

21. What did these people request of Peter ? 

That he should tarry with them certain days. 



LESSON LXIV. 



1. Who, in the mean time, heard that the Gentiles had also re- 
ceived the word of God ? 

The apostles and brethren that were in Judea. 

2. When Peter was come to Jerusalem, who contended with 
him for going among the Gentiles ? 

The believing Jews. 

3. How did Peter make his defence ? 

He gave them an account of the vision which he saw, 
and of the various events in order as they occurred. 

4. How was it seen that his defence was received ? 

"They held their peace and. glorified God, saying, 
Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance 
unto life." 

5. Where was the gospel preached to the Jews after the death 
of Stephen ? 

At Phenice, Cyprus and Antioch. 



268 BIBLE GEMS. 

6. What was the success of the gospel at these places? 

A great number believed and turned unto the Lord. 

7. When the tidings of these things canieto the Church at Jeru- 
salem, who was sent to assist the brethren at Antioch? 

Barnabas. 

8. What is said of the character of Barnabas ? 

" He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and 
of faith." 

9. Whom did Barnabas bring with him from Tarsus to Antioch? 
Saul. 

10. How long did Barnabas and Saul labor together in the min- 
istry at Antioch ? 

One year. 

11. Where were the disciples first called Christians? 
At Antioch. 

12. What was predicted by a prophet named Agabus, who had 
come from Jerusalem to Antioch ? 

That there should be great dearth throughout all the 
world. 

13. W T hen was this prediction fulfilled? 
In the days of Claudius Csesar. 

14. What charity was shown to the disciples who dwelt in Judea 
during the famine ? 

Their brethren at Antioch sent them relief, every man 
according to his ability. 

15. By whom were their contributions sent? 

By Barnabas and Saul, who delivered them to the 
elders. 

LESSON LXV. 

1. What ruler in those days persecuted certain ones of the 
Church ? 

Herod the king. 

2. Whom did he kill with the sword? 
James, the brother of John. 



acts. 269 

3. When Herod saw that this pleased the Jews, how did he pro- 
ceed further? 

He took Peter also, and put him in prison. 

4. What feast was kept at this time ? 
The passover. 

5. When did Herod intend to have Peter hrought out for trial ? 
After the feast. 

6. How was Peter remembered by his fellow-Christians ? 

" Prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto 
God for him." 

7. How was Peter secured in the prison ? 

He was placed between two soldiers, being bound with 
two chains, and the guards were placed at the door. 

8. How was he released ? 

A light shone in the prison, and an angel appeared to 
him, saying, "Arise up quickly. And the chains fell off 
from his hands." 

9. What did the angel command him to do? 

To gird himself and put on his sandals and coat, and 
follow him. 

10. As Peter followed the angel, was he conscious that this oc- 
currence was real ? 

He was not, but thought he saw a vision. 

11. How did they pass out from the prison ? 

Having passed the guards, they came to the iron gate 
leading to the city, which opened of itself, and they 
passed into the street. 

12. W T hen the angel had departed, and Peter was come to him- 
self, what did he say ? 

" Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath sent his 
angel and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod." 

13. While thinking on this occurrence, to what place did he 
come ? 

To the house of Mary the mother of John, where many 
were gathered together praying. 

23 * 



270 BIBLE GEMS. 

14. Who came to the door of the gate to hearken as Peter 
knocked ? 

A damsel named Rhoda. 

15. How was she affected when she knew his voice? 
She opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in and 

told how Peter stood before the gate. 

16. How did they regard her report? 

They said, " Thou art mad ;" and when she continued 
to affirm that it was so, they said, " It is his angel." 

17. How were they convinced that it was Peter? 

Peter continued knocking, and they opened the door 
and saw him. 

18. What did Peter say to them? 

Having beckoned to them with the hand to hold their 
peace, he declared to them how the Lord had brought 
him out of the prison. 

19. What did he request them to do? 

To go and show these things unto James and to the 
brethren. 

20. What did Peter then do ? 

He departed, and went into another place. 



LESSON LXVI. 



1. What occurred in the morning at the prison ? 

" There was no small stir among the soldiers, what was 
become of Peter." 

2. When Herod sought for him and could not find him, what did 
he do? 

" He examined the keepers, and commanded that they 
should be put to death." 

3. With what people was PTerod afterward greatly displeased ? 
The people of Tyre and Sidon. 



ACTS. 271 

4. How were they reconciled to the king? 

The inhabitants of Tyre and Sidon, being nourished 
by the king's country, came with one accord to Herod 
desiring peace. 

5. How did Herod appear before the people ? 

He sat on his throne, arrayed in royal apparel, and 
made an oration to them. 

6. How was he applauded ? 

" The people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a 
god, and not of a man." 

7. How was Herod punished for not rebuking their impious 
flattery ? 

A fearful disease came suddenly upon him, and he 
died a most painful death. 

8. Can you name some of the prophets and teachers who were in 
the Church at Antioch ? 

Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul. 

9. Which of these were set apart by the Holy Ghost to preach 
the gospel in the surrounding regions ? 

Barnabas and Saul. 

10. In what manner were they dismissed by their brethren to 
enter upon the missionary work ? 

" When they had fasted and prayed, they laid their 
hands on them, and sent them away." 

11. What island did they first visit? 
The isle of Cyprus. 

12. What other person attended them? 
John, whose surname was Mark. 

13. What ruler called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear 
the word of God ? 

Sergius Paulus, who was deputy of the island. 



272 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON LXVII. 






1. What sorcerer did they meet on this isle? 
One named Bar-jesus, who was a false prophet and a 

Jew. 

2. How did he trouble them ? 

He resisted them, and sought to turn away the deputy 
from the faith. 

3. In what words did Saul (who also is called Paul) rebuke the 
sorcerer ? 

" O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of 
the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not 
cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord ?" 

4. How did Paul say the Lord would visit him in judgment? 

" The hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt 
be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." 

5. How were these words verified ? 

" Immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness, 
and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand." 

6. What was the effect of this occurrence upon the deputy ? 
He believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the 

Lord. 

7. To what region did Paul and his company sail from Cyprus? 
To Pamphylia. 

8. What is said of John ? 

He returned to Jerusalem. 

9. What city did Paul and Barnabas visit next ? 
Antioch in Pisidia. 

10. What place did they enter there on the Sabbath day ? 
A synagogue. 

11. After the reading of the law and the prophets, what invita- 
tion was given them by the rulers of the synagogue? 

" Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhort- 
ation for the people, say on." 



acts. 273 

12. Who accepted the invitation ? 
Paul. 

13. How did he call the attention of the audience ? 

He stood up, and beckoning with his hand, said, 
" Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience." 

14. With what design did he address them ? 

To make known to them the doctrine that Jesus was 
the Messiah. 

15. What interest was created by the presence and the preach- 
ing of these apostles on this occasion ? 

On the next Sabbath there came together almost the 
whole city, to hear the word of God. 



LESSON LXVIII. 

1. Who became envious at seeing so great a multitude ? 
The unbelieving Jews. 

2. How were Paul and Barnabas treated by them ? 

They raised a persecution against them, and expelled 
them out of their coasts. 

3. To what place did they go next ? 
To Iconium. 

4. What was the effect of their preaching in Iconium ? 
Many of the Jews, and also of the Greeks, believed. 

5. With what difficulties had they to contend ? 

The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles against 
them. 

6. What is said of their stay and labors at Iconium ? 

They abode there a long time, speaking boldly in the 
Lord, and working miracles by his power. 

7. What caused them at last to depart from Iconium ? 
They were assaulted, and in danger of being stoned. 

8. To what cities did they flee ? 

To Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia. 

s 



274 BIBLE GEMS. 

9. What miracle was wrought by Paul at Lystra ? 

He healed a man who was impotent in his feet, being 
a cripple from his birth. 

10. How was the man healed ? 

Paul said, " Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped 
and walked." 

11. What did the people say when they saw what Paul had done ? 
They spoke with astonishment, saying, in the language 

of Lycaonia, "The gods are come down to us in the 
likeness of men." 

12. What names did they apply to these apostles? 

They called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercurius, 
because he was the chief speaker. 

13. What was done by the priest of Jupiter ? 

He brought oxen and garlands, and prepared to offer 
sacrifice to them. 

14. How were Paul and Barnabas affected when they heard this ? 
They rent their clothes in grief. 

15. What did they exclaim as they ran in among the people? 

" Sirs, why do ye these things ? We also are men of 
like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye 
should turn unto the living God." 



LESSON LXIX. 



1. What persecutors pursued Paul and Barnabas, and persuaded 
the people against them ? 

Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium. 

2. What violence was done to Paul by the people? 

They stoned him, and drew him out of the city, sup- 
posing him to be dead. 

3. What happened afterward? 

As the disciples stood around him, he rose up and came 
into the city. 



acts. . 275 

4. To what city did Paul and Barnabas go the next day ? 
ToDerbe. 

5. To what places did they return, after preaching the gospel 
and teaching many at Derbe ? 

To Lystra, Iconium and Antioch. 

6. What rulers did they place over the churches which they 
established in these cities? 

They ordained elders in every church, whom they com- 
mended with prayer and fasting to the Lord. 

7. To what region did Paul and Barnabas come when they passed 
through Pisidia? 

To Pamphylia. 

8. When they had accomplished their work in these regions, for 
what place did they sail ? 

For the city of Antioch. 

9. When they were come to Antioch, and had gathered the 
Church together, what did they relate? 

They rehearsed all that God had done for them, and 
how he opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 

10. When they had abode with the disciples a long time, what 
did Paul propose to Barnabas ? ___ 

He said, "Let us go again and visit our brethren in 
every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, 
and see how they do." 

11. Whom did Barnabas determine to take with them? 
John, who was called Mark. 

12. Why did Paul object to taking Mark with them? 
Because he had departed from them at Pamphylia, and 

went not with them to the work. 

13. What was the effect of their differing about this matter? 
They separated one from another. 

14. What did Barnabas do ? 

He took Mark and sailed with him to Cyprus. 



276 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON LXX. 

1. What distinguished man of the Church at Jerusalem accom- 
panied Paul ? 

Silas. 

2. Through what provinces did Paul and Silas first travel? 
They went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the 

churches. 

3. To what cities did they come ? 
To Derbe and Lystra. 

4. What disciple did they meet at one of these cities? 
A young man named Timotheus. 

5. Who was Timotheus ? 

He was the son of a woman who was a believing 
Jewess, but his father was a Greek. 

6. What is known of his character ? 

He was well reported of by the brethren who were at 
Lystra and Iconium. 

7. How did Paul show his interest in Timotheus? 
He prevailed on him to go with them. 

8. Through what regions did Paul and his companions travel? 
Through Phrygia and Galatia. 

9. In what place were they forbidden by the Holy Ghost to 
preach the gospel ? 

In Asia. 

10. What vision appeared to Paul in the night when they had 
come to the city of Troas? 

" There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, 
saying, Come over into Macedonia and help us." 

11. How did they regard this call? 

As coming from the Lord ; and they immediately went 
over to Philippi. 

12. What place did they visit on the Sabbath when at Philippi ? 
A place of prayer, which was out of the city by a 

river side. 



acts. 277 

13. With whom did they converse there ? 

They sat down and spoke to the women who resorted 
thither. 

14. What woman of Thyatira heard them speaking ? 
A woman named Lydia, a seller of purple. 

15. What is said of Lydia? 

The Lord opened her heart, that she attended unto the 
things which were spoken of Paul. 

16. How did it appear that she was convinced of the truth of 
their doctrine ? 

She was baptized, and her household, and she con- 
strained the apostles to abide in her house. 

17. What damsel followed Paul and his companions, and cried 
after them as they were going to the place of prayer ? 

One possessed with a spirit of divination, who had 
brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. 

18. How was the damsel relieved of this evil spirit ? 

Paul, being grieved, commanded the spirit in the 
name of Jesus to come out of her ; and he came out that 
same hour. 

19. What was done by the masters of this damsel when they 
saw that the hope of their gains was gone ? 

They caused Paul and Silas to be beaten with many 
stripes, and imprisoned, having their feet made fast in 
the stocks. 



LESSON LXXI. 

1. What was heard in the prison at midnight ? 

Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. 

2. How were all the prisoners suddenly set at liberty ? 

The foundations of the prison were shaken by an earth- 
quake, the doors were opened, and every one's bands were 
loosed. 

24 



278 BIBLE GEMS. 

3. How was the keeper of the prison affected when he awoke 
and saw the prison doors open ? 

He drew his sword and would, have killed himself, sup- 
posing that the prisoners had fled. 

4. How was he prevented ? 

Paul cried aloud, " Do thyself no harm ; for we are 
all here." 

5. What did the jailer then do? 

Having called for a light, he sprang in, and fell trem- 
bling before Paul and Silas. 

6. When he had brought them out, what did he say to them? 
" Sirs, what must I do to be saved ?" 

7. What did they answer him? 

" Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be 
saved, and thy house." 

8. What was done when Paul and Silas had spoken to the jailer 
and his family the word of the Lord ? 

That same hour, the jailer washed their stripes ; and 
he was baptized, and his whole household. 

9. What did the jailer then do ? 

"When he had brought them into his house, he set 
meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all 
his house." 

10. Where did Paul and Silas go when they were delivered 
from prison ? 

They entered into the house of Lydia; and when they 
had seen the brethren, they comforted them and departed. 

11. Where, after this, were Paul and Silas persecuted? 
At Thessalonica. 

12. What was said of them ? 

"Those that have turned the world upside down, are 
come hither also." 

13. How did Paul and Silas escape the hands of their enemies 
at Thessalonica? 

The brethren sent them by night unto Berea. 



acts. 279 

14. How did the Bereans receive the Word ? 
With all readiness of mind, so that many of them be- 
lieved. 

LESSON LXXII. 

1. What persons, having heard that Paul and Silas were preach- 
ing at Berea, came hither to stir up the people ? 

The Jews of Thessalonica. 

2. To what place was Paul immediately sent by the brethren ? 
He was conducted to Athens. 

3. What word did he send back to Silas and Timotheus ? 
That they should come to him with all speed. 

4. What was a source of grief to Paul while waiting for them 
at Athens ? 

He saw that the city was wholly given to idolatry. 

5. What was said of Paul by certain philosophers who opposed 
him when he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection ? 

Some said, " What will this babbler say ?" others, " He 
seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods." 

6. What did they do with Paul ? 

They brought him before the court, and requested him 
to explain this new doctrine. 

7. How did Paul address them? 

He said, " Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all 
things ye are too superstitious." 

8. What evidence of this did he give ? 

He said, " For as I passed by and beheld your devo- 
tions, I found an altar with this inscription, To the un- 
known God." 

9. In what words did he declare his divine mission ? 

" Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, him declare 
I unto you." 

10. When Paul had finished addressing them, what did they say ? 
" Some mocked ; and others said, We will hear thee 

again of this matter." 



280 BIBLE GEMS. 

11. What was the effect upon others? 

Some believed his doctrines and followed him as their 
teacher. 

12. When Paul departed from Athens, to what city did he come 
next? 

To Corinth. 

13. Of what province in Greece was Corinth the capital? 
Of Achaia. 

14. With whom did Paul stay in Corinth ? 

With a certain Jew named Aquila and his wife Pris- 
cilla. 

15. What was their occupation ? 
They were tent-makers. 

16. How was Paul employed? 

Being of the same occupation, he wrought with them. 

17. What did Paul do on the Sabbath days? 

He preached in the synagogues, testifying to the Jews 
that Jesus was Christ. 

18. What did he say to them when they rejected his doctrines? 
Shaking his raiment, he said, "Your blood be upon 

your own heads : I am clean : from henceforth I will go 
unto the Gentiles." 

19. What was his success in Corinth after this? 

Many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized. 



LESSON LXXII1. 

1. What words of encouragement were spoken to Paul by the 
Lord in a night vision? 

" Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace ; for 
T am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt 
thee : for I have much people in this city." 

'2. How long did Paul continue to preach at Corinth? 

A v« k iti and six months 



ACTS. 281 



3. Before what ruler was Paul accused by the Jews? 
Before Gallio, who was the deputy of Achaia. 

4. What charge was brought against him ? 

They said, "This fellow persuadeth men to worship 
God contrary to the law." 

5. How did Gallio regard their accusation ? 

He paid no attention to it, and drove the accusers from 
the judgment-seat. 

6. What act of violence was done by the Greeks? 

They beat Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, 
before the judgment-seat. 

7. What notice did Gallio take of this? 
"Gallio cared for none of these things." 

8. For what place did Paul sail when he left Corinth ? 
For Syria. 

9. What was his motive in leaving at this time ? 

He desired to go to Jerusalem to attend the feast which 
was at hand. 

10. What persons from Corinth accompanied him as far as 
Ephesus? 

Priscilla and Aquila. 

11. W T hen they came to Ephesus, what did Paul do? 
Leaving his company, he entered into the synagogue 

and reasoned with the Jews. 

12. What did he say when his friends desired him to tarry with 
them a longer time ? 

Bidding them farewell, he said, " I must by all means 
keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem ; but I will 
return again unto you, if God will." 

13. What distinguished Jew came to Ephesus after Paul had 
left? 

One named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent 
man and mighty in the Scriptures. 

14. What is said of his fervor ? 

He spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord. 

24 * 



282 BIBLE GEMS. 

% 

15. How did Aquila and Priscilla manifest their interest in 
Apollos ? 

They took him unto theni, and expounded to him the 
way of God more perfectly. 



LESSON LXXIV. 

1. How long did Paul labor in Asia after his return from Jeru- 
salem? 

Two years. 

2. What good was effected by his labors ? 

All that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord 
Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 

3. What is said of the miracles of Paul ? 

God wrought special miracles by his hands ; so that 
from his body were brought garments to the sick and 
they were healed, and the evil spirits went out of them. 

4. How did certain vagabond Jews, which were exorcists, at- 
tempt to imitate Paul ? 

They undertook to rebuke evil spirits in the name of 
the Lord Jesus, saying, " We adjure you by Jesus, whom 
Paul prcacheth." 

5. What seven Jews did so to one who had an evil spirit? 
The sons of Sceva, who was a priest. 

6. What did the evil spirit say to them ? 

" Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye ?" 

7. How were they driven away ? 

The man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, 
and overcame them, so that they fled out of the house 
naked and wounded. 

8. What was the effect of this occurrence? 

Fear fell upon the Greeks and Jews, and the name of 
the Lord was magnified. 

9. Who at Ephesus raised an uproar against Paul? 
Demetrius, a silversmith. 



acts. 283 

10. What work had brought him, and others of his occupation, 
much gain ? 

Making silver shrines for the goddess Diana. 

11. What honors were paid this goddess at Ephesus ? 

A celebrated image of her was erected, and a temple 
was dedicated to her worship. 

12. What complaint did Demetrius bring against Paul when he 
had called together the workmen of his own craft ? 

That he had turned away many people, teaching that 
there are no gods which are made with hands. 

13. What was the effect upon the people ? 

They were full of wrath and cried out, "Great is 
Diana of the Ephesians !" 

14. Who at last appeased the uproar? 
The city magistrate. 

15. What did Paul do when the uproar had ceased ? 

He called together the disciples, and taking an affec- 
tionate leave, he departed for Macedonia. 



LESSON LXXV, 



1. To what place did Paul go from Macedonia? 
He went into Greece. 

2. How long did he remain there ? 
Three months. 

3. To what city of Asia did he return ? 
To Troas. 

4. How long did he remain at Troas ? 
Seven days. 

5. What sacrament was celebrated at Troas the evening before 
Paul left? 

The Lord's Supper. 

6. How long did Paul continue his address to the people? 
Until midnight. 



284 BIBLE GEMS. 

7. What happened to a young man who sat listening to Paul's 
preaching ? 

" As Paul was preaching, he sunk into a deep sleep, 
and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up 
dead." 

8. How was he restored to life ? 

" Paul went down and fell on him, and embracing him, 
said, Trouble not yourselves ; for his life is in him." 

9- How long did Paul continue with the brethren in the break- 
ing of bread and in conversation? 

Until break of day. 

10. What did Paul determine to do when he left Troas? 
To return to Jerusalem. 

11. What caused him to be in haste? 

He desired to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day 
of Pentecost. 

12. Whom did Paul call together at the city of Miletus? 

He sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the 
Church. 

13. For what purpose ? 

To deliver to them parting words of advice and exhort- 
ation. 

14. How long had he labored as a missionary among them ? 
Three years. 

15. How had he discharged his duties to them ? 

He ceased not to warn every one night and day with 
tears. 

16. When he had concluded his address, what did he do? 
He kneeled down and prayed with them all. 

17. How were they affected ? 

"They all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck and 
kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which 
he spake, that they should see his face no more." 



acts. 285 



LESSON LXXVI. 

1. When Paul and his companions had parted from the breth- 
ren, what course did they sail ? 

By way of the islands of Coos and Rhodes, and from 
thence to Patara, where they took ship for Syria. 

2. Where did they land? 
At the city of Tyre. 

3. How long did they remain at Tyre? 
Seven days. 

4. What warning was given to Paul by certain disciples whom 
they met at Tyre ? 

Knowing through the Spirit the dangers to which he 
would be exposed, they advised him not to go to Jeru- 
salem. 

5. How did the disciples show their tender attachment for Paul 
and his companions when they were about to leave ? 

They all, with wives and children, accompanied them 
out of the city. 

6. What did they do before they separated ? 

They kneeled down on the shore and prayed. 

7. What place did Paul and his companions visit first after leav- 
ing Tyre ? 

The city of Ptolemais, where they saluted the brethren, 
and abode with them one day. 

8. To what city did they come the next day ? 
To Csesarea. 

9. With whom did they abide at Csesarea ? 

With Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven 
deacons. 

10. What is said of his family ? 

He had four daughters who prophesied. 

11. What prophet came from Judea to Csesarea while Paul and 
his companions tarried there ? 

One named Agabus. 



286 BIBLE GEMS. 

12. What did he predict concerning Paul ? 

Taking Paul's girdle, and binding himself with it, he 
predicted that the owner of the girdle should be thus 
bound by the Jews at Jerusalem, and delivered into the 
hands of the Gentiles. 

13. When Paul's companions and the disciples heard this pre- 
diction, what did they earnestly request of Paul ? 

That he should not go up to Jerusalem. 

14. In what words did Paul answer them? 

" What mean ye, to weep and to break my heart? for 
I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at 
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'' 

15. When they saw that he would not be persuaded, what did 
they say ? 

"The will of the Lord be done." 



LESSON LXXVII. 

1. Who accompanied Paul and his friends as they went up to 
Jerusalem? 

Some of the disciples of Csesarea, and one Mnason of 
Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom they were to lodge. 

2. How were they received when they came to Jerusalem ? 
The brethren received them gladly. 

3. When Paul had saluted James and the elders, what did he 
relate to them? 

He declared particularly what things God had wrought 
among the Gentiles by his ministry. 

4. How did they show their joy at his account? 
They glorified God. 

5. What request did the elders make of Paul ? 

That he should gratify the believing Jews by appear- 
ing publicly in the temple to offer sacrifice. 



acts. 287 

6. Why did this seem necessary ? 

Because of the impression which was among the Jews 
that Paul disregarded the laws of Moses. 

7. Who, seeing Paul in the temple, stirred up the people, and 
laid hands on him ? 

The Jews who were of Asia. 

8. What did they cry out ? 

" Men of Israel, help. This is the man that teacheth 
all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and 
this place." 

9. What was the effect upon the people ? 

The whole city was moved; the people ran together, 
drew Paul out of the temple, and were about to kill 
him. 

10. To whom were conveyed the tidings of the uproar? 
To the chief captain of the band. 

11. What was done by the chief captain? 

He immediately came to the place with soldiers and 
centurions, commanded Paul to be bound with chains, 
and demanded who he was and what he had done. 

12. When he could not know the certainty of the matter on 
account of the tumult, what did he command to be done ? 

To have Paul carried into the castle. 

13. What was the cry of the multitude as Paul was borne away? 
" Away with him !" 

14. What request did Paul make of the captain ? 
He said, " May I speak unto thee ?" 

15. How did the captain reply ? 

He said, " Canst thou speak Greek ?" 



LESSON LXXVIII. 

1. When Paul had given an account of himself, what did he 
request of the captain ? 

That he might make an address to the people. 



288 BIBLE GEMS. 

2. When he had obtained the captain's permission, and stood 
upon the stairs, how did he call the attention of the people ? 

Beckoning with his hand, he said, " Men, brethren and 
fathers, hear ye my defence." 

3. What account did he give of his early life ? 

He said, " I am verily a man which am a Jew, born 
in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at 
the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect 
manner of the law of the fathers." 

4. What did he further declare to the people ? 

He gave an account of his conversion to the faith, and 
his being called to the apostleship of the Gentiles. 

5. How did they exclaim at the mentioning of the Gentiles? 

" Away with such a fellow from the earth ! for it is not 
fit that he should live." 

6. What did the captain command next to be done with Paul ? 
That he should be scourged. 

7. For what purpose ? 

That he might confess his crime. 

8. As they bound him with thongs, what did Paul say to the 
centurion who stood by ? 

" Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Ro- 
man, and uncondemned ?" 

9. What did the centurion do when he heard this ? 

He went and told the chief captain, saying, " Take 
heed what thou doest ; for this man is a Roman." 

10. When the chief captain came and heard from Paul himself 
that he was a Roman, what did he say ? 

c ; With a great sum obtained I this freedom." 

11. What did Paul reply? 
" But I was free born." 

12. What was done the next day? 

The captain, desiring to know for what Paul was ac- 
cused, called together the council and placed Paul before 
them. 



acts. 289 

13. As Paul earnestly beheld the council, what did he say ? 
" Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience 
before God until this day." 



LESSON LXXIX. 

1. What order was given by Ananias the high-priest ? 

He commanded that Paul should be smitten on the 
mouth. 

2. In what words did Paul rebuke Ananias ? 

"God shall smite thee, thou whited wall! for sittest 
thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be 

smitten contrary to the law ?" 

3. How was Paul reproved by those who stood by ? 
They said, "Kevilest thou God's high-priest?" 

4. What apology did Paul make for what he had said ? 

He said, " I wist not, brethren, that he was the high- 
priest; for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the 
ruler of my people." 

5. What did Paul say when he found that the council was com- 
posed of Sadducees and Pharisees ? 

"Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a 
Pharisee : of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am 
called in question." 

6. What was the effect of these words ? 

The multitude was divided, and there was a great cry 
in the council. 

7. What was said by the Pharisees ? 

" We find no evil in this man ; but if a spirit or an 
angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God." 

8. When the chief captain saw that in consequence of the dis- 
sension Paul's life was in danger, what did he command his soldiers 
to do ? 

To go down and take him by force from the crowd, 
and bring him into the castle. 

25 T 



290 BIBLE GEMS. 

9. What encouraging words were spoken to Paul by the Lord on 
the following night ? 

" Be of good cheer, Paul ; for as thou hast testified of 
me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at 
Rome." 

10. On the next morning, what persons conspired to take Paul's 
life? 

More than forty Jews bound themselves under a 
solemn oath that they would neither eat nor drink till 
they had killed Paul. 

11. What plan had the conspirators devised for obtaining access 
to Paul ? 

They requested the chief captain, through the rulers 
of the Church, to bring Paul into the council for a further 
hearing. 

12. With what design did they make this request? 
They intended to fall upon him on the way. 

13. How was their plan frustrated ? 

Paul's sister's son having heard of their lying in wait, 
went and told Paul, who sent the information to the 
chief captain. 



LESSON LXXX. 

1. How did the chief captain place Paul beyond the power of 
the Jews? 

He sent him by night, with a numerous guard, to 
Csesarea, to Felix, the governor. 

2. Who was this chief captain ? 
Claudius Lysias. 

3. How did Lysias speak of Paul in his letter to Felix the 
governor? 

He said he knew of nothing laid to his charge worthy 
of death or of bonds. 



ACTS. 291 

4. What did Felix say when he had read the letter? 

He said he would hear Paul when his accusers were come. 

5. Where did he command that he should be placed? 
In Herod's judgment-hall. 

6. Who, after five days, appeared before Felix as Paul's accusers ? 
Ananias the high-priest, with the elders, and an orator 

named Tertullus. 

7. What were some of the charges brought against Paul by 
Tertullus? 

That he was a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition 
among all the Jews throughout the world. 

8. When Tertullus had finished his speech, what favor was 
granted Paul? 

The governor permitted him to speak. 

9. How did Paul answer for himself? 

By giving an account of his conduct and doctrine. 

10. What did Felix do when he had heard Paul's defence ? 
He deferred his case until Lysias, the chief captain, 

should arrive. 

11. What privileges were granted Paul in the prison ? 

The governor commanded a centurion to keep him, 
and to let him have liberty, and not to forbid any of his 
friends to visit him. 

12. What did Felix afterward do ? 

He sent for Paul, that he and his wife Drusilla might 
hear him concerning the faith in Christ. 

13. What was the effect upon Felix, as Paul reasoned of right- 
eousness, temperance and judgment to come? 

" Felix trembled and answered, Go thy way for this 
time ; when I have a convenient season, I will call for 
thee." 

14. What advantage had Felix expected to gain by sending fre- 
quently for Paul ? 

He had hoped that money should be given him by 
Paul that he might release him. 



292 BIBLE GEMS. 



LESSON LXXXI. 

1 . Who, after two years, succeeded Felix ? 
Porcius Festus. 

2. Where did Festus go three days after he had come to Caesarea ? 
He went up to Jerusalem. 

3. Who, at Jerusalem, informed him against Paul ? 
The high-priest and the chief of the Jews. 

4. What did they request of Festus ? 

That he should send to Caesarea and have Paul 
brought to Jerusalem. 

5. What was their purpose ? 

To waylay Paul and kill him. 

6. What did Festus reply to their request ? 

That Paul should be kept at Csesarea, and that he ex- 
pected to return there shortly. 

7. What privilege did he grant these Jews ? 

He invited all such as might be able to return with 
him and accuse Paul, if he was guilty of any crime. 

8. What did Festus do the following day after he returned to 
Csesarea ? 

Taking the judgment-seat, he commanded Paul to be 
brought for trial. 

9. How was Paul falsely accused by the Jews who had come 
down from Jerusalem ? 

They laid many and grievous complaints against him, 
which they could not prove. 

10. How did Paul answer for himself? 

He declared that he had not offended against the law of 
the Jews, neither against the temple, nor against Csesar. 

11. What did Festus propose to Paul ? 

Desiring to please the Jews, he said, " Wilt thou go up 
to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before 
me?" 



acts. 293 

12. What did Paul answer? 

" I stand at Csesar's judgment-seat, where I ought to be 
judged : to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very 
well knowest." 

13. What did Festus say to Paul when he had conferred with 
the council ? 

" Hast thou appealed unto Csesar ? unto Csesar shalt 
thou go." 

14. Who, after certain days, came to Csesarea to salute Festus? 
King Agrippa and his sister Bernice. 

15. Who was Agrippa? 

He was the son and successor of Herod the persecutor, 
and was governor or king of several of the eastern prov- 
inces of the Roman empire. 



LESSON LXXXII. 

1. What did Agrippa request when Festus had declared to him 
Paul's cause ? 

He desired that he might also hear Paul. 

2. What was done the next day ? 

Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp into the 
place of hearing, with the chief men of the city, and 
Paul was brought forth. 

3. Who made an address to Agrippa and all who were present, 
in reference to Paul ? 

Festus. 

4. What did Agrippa then say to Paul ? 

" Thou art permitted to speak for thyself." 

5. What did Paul reply ? 

Stretching forth his hand, he said, "I think myself 
happy, King Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself 
this day before thee." 

6. How did Paul then state his own case ? 

By declaring his life from his youth, and his miracu- 
lous conversion. 

25 * 



294 BIBLE GEMS. 

7. As he spake with astonishing force and eloquence, what did 
Festus exclaim ? 

" Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth 
make thee mad." 

8. What was Paul's reply ? 

" I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak forth the 
words of truth and soberness." 

9. How did he appeal to Agrippa ? 

He said he was persuaded that Agrippa was acquainted 
with these facts, " for this thing was not done in a cor- 
ner." 

10. In what words did he address Agrippa ? 

" King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets ? I know 
that thou believest." 

11. What did Agrippa then say to Paul? 

" Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." 

12. What did Paul reply ? 

" I would to God that not only thou, but also all that 
hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such 
as I am, except these bonds." 

13. What was the decision of all who heard Paul when they 
conferred together ? 

That he had done nothing worthy of death or of 
bonds. 

14. What opinion was given by Agrippa ? 

That Paul might have been set at liberty if he had not 
himself appealed to Csesar. 



LESSON LXXXIII. 

\ 

1. When it was determined that Paul should be conducted to 

Pome, in whose charge was he placed, with certain other prisoners? 
One named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. 

2. From what seaport did they sail? 
From Adramyttium. 



acts. 295 

3. When, on the next day, they arrived at Sidon, what favor was 
shown Paul by the centurion ? 

He courteously entreated him to call upon hi? friends 
and refresh himself. 

4. What may be observed of this voyage ? 

In consequence of an unfavorable season, it was stormy 
and dangerous. 

5. To what island were they brought after sailing many days? 
To the island of Crete. 

6. To what harbor of this island ? 

A place called The Fair Havens. 

7. What warning did Paul give of the danger of leaving this 
port ? 

He said he perceived that this voyage would be with 
hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, 
but also of their lives. 

8. How was Paul's warning regarded ? 

The centurion believed the master and the owner of 
the ship, rather than Paul. 

9. What was the advice of the greater part of the crew ? 

As this haven was not convenient to winter in, they 
proposed going as far as Phenice, a port in the south-west 
part of Crete. 

10. In what peril were they after leaving The Fair Havens ? 

A great tempest arose, and the ship was exceedingly 
tossed, so that there was no hope of being saved. 

11. How did Paul comfort his shipmates, after reminding them 
of his former counsel ? 

He exhorted them to be of good cheer — that there 
should be no loss of any man's life, but of the ship. 

12. What authority had Paul for this assurance ? 

An angel hacUspoken to him in the night, saying, 
" Fear not, Paul ; thou must be brought before Csesar ; 
and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with 
thee." 



296 BIBLE GEMS. 

13. What did Paul further predict? 

He said, " Howbeit, we must be cast upon a certain 
island." 



LESSON LXXXIV. 

1. After how long a time did it appear that they were ap- 
proaching land ? 

In the fourteenth night, about midnight, when the 
mariuers sounded, and found the depth twenty fathoms. 

2. What was done when they had sounded a second time, and 
found it fifteen fathoms ? 

Fearing they had fallen upon rocks, they cast four an- 
chors out of the stern. 

3. Of what base project were the shipmen guilty? 

They had designed to get into the boat, and so save 
themselves, and leave all the rest to perish. 

4. How did they endeavor to conceal their purpose? 

They pretended that they would cast anchors out of 
the foreship, and so they let down the boat. 

5. Who discovered this plot and protested against it ? 

Paul, saying, "Except these abide in the ship, ye 
cannot be saved." 

6. How was their project defeated? 

The soldiers cut the ropes of the boat and let her fall off. 

7. When day was coming on, what did Paul request of his ship- 
mates ? 

He besought them all to take meat, saying this was the 
fourteenth day that they had continued fasting. 

8. How did he again assure them of their preservation ? 

He said there should not a hair fall from the head of 
any of them. 

9. When Paul himself had spread the table, and had given 
thanks, how were they refreshed? 

They all ate, and were of good cheer. 



acts. 297 

10. What was the whole number of persons in the ship? 
Two hundred and seventy-six. 

11. How did they now prepare to reach the shore ? 

They lightened the ship, casting the wheat overboard, 
and having taken up the anchors, they committed them- 
selves to the sea. 



LESSOR LXXXV. 

1. With what misfortune did they now meet ? 

Falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the 
ship into a sandbar. 

2. What was the fate of the ship ? 

The fore part stuck fast, and remained immovable, 
while the hinder part was broken with the violence of the 
waves. 

3. What did the soldiers direct to be done with the prisoners ? 
Their counsel was to kill them, lest any of them should 

swim out and escape. 

4. How were they kept from their purpose ? 

The centurion, desiring to save Paul, commanded that 
those who could swim should cast themselves first into 
the sea, and get to land. 

5. How were the rest saved ? 

Some on boards and some on broken pieces of the ship. 

6. Where did they discover themselves to be ? 
On the island of Melita, now called Malta. 

7. How were they received by the inhabitants of this island? 
They were entertained very kindly, and a fire was kin- 
dled for them, because of the rain and the cold. 

8. What occurred when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks 
and laid them on the fire ? 

A viper came out of the heat and fastened on his hand. 

9. What did the natives think of this ? 

They concluded that Paul was a murderer, who, though 



298 BIBLE GEMS. 

he had escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffered him not 
to live. 

10. What did Paul do with the reptile? 

He shook it off into the fire, and felt no harm. 

11. What did the natives expect to see ? 

That he would have swollen or fallen down dead sud- 
denly. 

12. When they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come 
to him, how did they change their minds ? 

They said that he was a god. 

13. How were they entertained by Publius, the chief man of the 
island ? 

He lodged them courteously three days. 

14. What miraculous cure was wrought by Paul ? 

He cured the father of Publius, who had been very 
sick. 

15. What was the effect of this miracle ? 

Others also of the island, who had diseases, came and 
were healed. 

16. How did the natives show their gratitude? 

They bestowed upon Paul and his friends many honors, 
and when they departed they laded them with things 
needful for their journey. 



LESSON LXXXVI. 

1. How long was their stay on this island? 
Three months. 

2. In what vessel did they leave ? 

A ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle. 

3. Where did they next land? 

At Syracuse, on the island of Sicily. 

4. How long did they tarry at Syracuse ? 
Three day*. 



acts. 299 

5. To what place did they next come ? 

To Rhegium, a city near the south-west extremity of 
Italy. 

6. Where did they land the next day ? 

The wind being favorable, they were brought as far as 
Puteoli, a city north of Rhegium, toward Rome. 

7. What persons did they find at Puteoli? 

Certain brethren, who desired them to tarry seven 
days. 

8. At what places were they met by brethren from Rome, who 
had heard of them ? 

At Appii Forum and the Three Taverns. 

9. How was Paul affected when he saw them? 
He thanked God and took courage. 

10. When they came to Rome, what was done with the prisoners ? 
All except Paul were delivered to the captain of the 

guard. 

11. How was Paul favored? 

He was suffered to dwell by himself under the charge 
of a soldier. 

12. When Paul had been at Rome three days, whom did he 
call together? 

The chief of the Jews. 

13. For what purpose ? 

That he might declare to them the cause of his coming. 

14. What did these Jews desire of Paul ? 

That he should explain to them his belief respecting 
the Messiah. 

15. When they had appointed a day, and many had assembled 
at his lodgings, how did Paul address them ? 

He preached to them concerning Christ and his king- 
dom, persuading them out of the law of Moses and out 
of the prophets, from morning till evening. 

16. What was the effect of his preaching ? 
Some believed, and others believed not. 



300 BIBLE GEMS. 

17. Where did Paul live during his stay at Rome ? 
He dwelt in his own hired house. 

18. For how long a time ? 
Two years. 

19. How was he engaged ? 

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those 
things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ. 



ROMANS, AND FIRST AND SECOND CORIN- 
THIANS. 

LESSON LXXXVII. 

1. Which is the sixth book of the New Testament? 
The Epistle of Paul to the Romans. 

2. What does this book form ? 

A beautiful and sublime summary of the Christian 
faith. 

3. How may this book be divided ? 
Into three general parts. 

4. Of what does the first part chiefly treat? 

The depravity and sinfulness of the human race. 

5. Of what does the second part treat ? 

The redemption of the race through our Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

6. Of what does the third part treat ? 
The practical duties of Christianity. 

7. Where was Paul when he wrote his epistle or letter to the 
Church at Rome? 

At Corinth. 

8. Of what persons was the Church of Rome composed ? 
Partly of converted heathen, and partly of Jewish 

Christians. 



ROMANS, FIRST AND SECOND CORINTHIANS. 301 

9. When was this Epistle written ? 

Probably in the year of Christ 56, while Paul made a 
short stay at Corinth, on his way to Troas. 

10. How long was this before Paul was brought to Rome as 
prisoner ? 

Probably five years. 

11. By whom was this epistle sent ? 

By Phebe, a servant of the Church at Cenchrea. 

12. Name the seventh book of the New Testament? 
Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians. 

13. Where was this Epistle written ? 
At Ephesus. 

14. What is known of Ephesus ? 

It was a celebrated city of Asia Minor. 

15. When is this letter supposed to have been written ? 

In the year 56, about four years after the Church was 
organized at Corinth. 

16. What was the apostle's design in writing this Epistle to the 
Corinthians ? 

1. To vindicate himself against false teachers. 

2. To correct errors in doctrine and worship. 

3. To furnish them with rules of conduct adapted to 
their peculiar circumstances. 

17. Which is the eighth book of the New Testament ? 
Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians. 

18. When was this Epistle written ? 
About a year after the first. 

19. From what place was it written ? 
From Macedonia. 

20. For what does it seem designed ? 

To confirm the good influence which the first had ex- 
erted, and to furnish them with additional directions as 
to doctrine and practice. 

26 



302 BIBLE GEMS. 



GALATIANS AND EPHESIANS. 

LESSON LXXXVIII. 

1. Name the ninth book of the New Testament. 
Paul's Epistle to the Galatians. 

2. What was the country of the Galatians? 
Galatia, a province of Asia Minor. 

3. When is this Epistle supposed to have been written? 
About the year 53. 

4. From what place ? 

It is not known ; probably from Thessalonica or 
Corinth. 

5. What is the evident design of this letter? 

To correct certain erroneous opinions of doctrine 
among the Galatians, and to instruct them as to the 
true intent of the gospel. 

6. What adds much to the interest of this Epistle ? 

It contains a record of the evidences of Paul's apos- 
tleship, and a sketch of his life after his conversion. 

7. Name the tenth book of the New Testament. 
The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians. 

8. What is known of the origin of the Church at Ephesus ? 

It was established and built up under Paul's ministry, 
about the year 54 or 55. 

9. When did Paul write this Epistle to the Ephesians ? 
About the year 60 or 61, while he was in prison at 

Rome. 

10. What seems to be the apostle's design in it? 

To further instruct the Ephesians in the mystery of 
the gospel, and thereby settle them in the faith. 

11. Of what does Paul treat in the first part? 

Of the precious benefits enjoyed by the Ephesians — 
having been brought from heathenism to Christianity. 



PHILIPPIANS AND COLOSSIANS. 303 

12. How does he address them in the latter part? 

He instructs them in the principal duties of religion, 
and exhorts them to their faithful discharge. 

13. By whom was this letter sent? 

By Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister. 






PHILIPPIANS AND COLOSSIANS. 

LESSON LXXXIX. 

1. Which is the eleventh book of the New Testament? 
Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. 

2. Where was the city of Philippi ? 
In Macedonia. 

3. For what was this city distinguished ? 

It was the first city in Europe where Paul preached 
the gospel and established a Christian Church. 

4. When was this letter addressed to the Philippians ? 
Probably about the year 62, when Paul was a prisoner 

at Rome. 

5. How had the Christians of Philippi ministered to Paul's 
necessities ? 

They had sent to him Epaphroditus, with fruits of 
their benevolence. 

6. By whom did Paul gratefully acknowledge their kindness? 
By Epaphroditus, who, on his return, brought Paul's 

letter. 

7. How does Paul commence this Epistle ? 

After an affectionate introduction, he gives an account 
of his condition in Rome and the opposition he had 
encountered from Jewish teachers. 

8. What information does he give them ? 

He informs them in respect to Timothy, and the sick- 
ness and recovery of Epaphroditus during his stay at 
Rome. 



304 BIBLE GEMS. 

9. What seems to be the chief design of this Epistle? 

To promote among the Philippians unity and affection, 
to guard them against unchristian influence, and to 
inspire them with a love of holiness. 

10. Name the twelfth book of the New Testament. 
The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians. 

11. When was it written ? 

About the year 61, when Paul was a prisoner at Rome. 

12. What was probably the immediate occasion of this letter ? 
Epaphras, who was now with Paul, had requested his 

advice. 

13. Who was Epaphras ? 

A distinguished disciple of the Church at Colosse, and 
a faithful minister of the gospel. 

14. How was he at one time associated with Paul at Rome ? 
He was his fellow-prisoner. 

15. Where was the city of Colosse ? 

In Phrygia, a province of Asia Minor. 

16. What happened to this city about one year after Paul had 
written his Epistle to the Church at this place ? 

It was destroyed by an earthquake. 



FIRST AND SECOND THESSALONIANS, AND 
FIRST TIMOTHY. 

LESSON XC. 

1. Which is the thirteenth book of the New Testament? 
The First Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians. 

2. Who were the Thessalonians ? 

The people of Thessalonica, an important city of 
Macedonia. 

3. When was this Epistle written ? 
Probably about the year 52. 



FIRST AND SECOND THESSALONIANS, ETC. 305 

4. Who had established a Church at Thessalonica ? 
Paul and his associates, Tiniotheus and Silas. 

5. What was the design of this letter to the Christians of Thes- 
salonica ? 

To establish them in their Christian graces, and en- 
courage them in seeking for higher attainments in the 
divine life. 

6. Which is the fourteenth book of the New Testament? 
Paul's Second Epistle to the Thessalonians. 

7. When was this Epistle written? 
Soon after the first. 

8. From what place did Paul send these letters ? 
From Athens. 

9. What seems to have been the design of this Epistle ? 

To correct some misapprehensions respecting the first, 
and still further to establish and encourage the Thessa- 
lonians in their -work of faith. 

10. Name the fifteenth book of the New Testament. 
The First Epistle of Paul to Timothy. 

11. Who was Timothy? 

The same as Timotheus, whom Paul found either in 
Derbe or Lystra, and selected as an assistant in his 
labors. 

12. By whom was Timothy religiously educated from his youth? 
By his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. 

13. Where was Timothy placed in the ministry when yet young? 
He was left in charge of the Church at Ephesus. 

14. Where was Paul when he wrote his first Epistle to Timothy? 
In Macedonia. 

15. When is it supposed to have been written ? 
About the year 60. 

16. What was the design of this Epistle ? 

To direct Timothy how to discharge his office as 
minister. 

26* U 



306 BIBLE GEMS. 

SECOND TIMOTHY, TITUS AND PHILEMON. 

LESSON XCI. 

1. Which is the sixteenth book of the New Testament? 
Paul's Second Epistle to Timothy. 

2. When was this Epistle written ? 
Probably a year or two after the first. 

3. Where was it written ? 
At Rome. 

4. Under what circumstances ? 

When Paul was in constant expectation of martyrdom. 

5. How may this Epistle be regarded ? 

As the dying counsel of the venerable apostle to his 
son in the Lord. 

6. Name the seventeenth book of the New Testament ? 
The Epistle of Paul to Titus. 

7. Who was Titus? 

He was a Greek by descent, and probably converted 
to Christianity under the preaching of Paul. 

8. How was he afterward associated with Paul ? 

He was with him in many of his trials and missionary 
journeys. 

9. Where was Titus placed in charge of a Christian church ? 
On the island of Crete. 

10. What was the design of this Epistle ? 

To instruct Titus in the right discharge of his minis- 
terial offices. 

11. Which is the eighteenth book of the New Testament? 
The Epistle of Paul to Philemon. 

12. Who was Philemon? 

He is supposed to have been a resident at Colosse, and 
a Christian of some distinction. 

13. When was this letter to Philemon written? 
While Paul was imprisoned at Rome. 



HEBREWS. 307 

14. Who was the occasion of this letter ? 

Onesimus, a servant of Philemon, who had fled to 
Rome, and was there converted to the faith of the gospel. 

15. What was Paul's design in writing by Onesimus, when he 
was about to return to his master ? 

To conciliate the feelings of Philemon toward his pen- 
itent servant and now fellow-disciple. 



HEBREWS. 

LESSON XCII. 

1. Name the nineteenth book of the New Testament. 
The Epistle to the Hebrews. 

2. Who is believed to be the author of this book ? 
Paul. 

3. When was it written ? 

Probably about the year 62 or 63. 

4. To what persons is it supposed to have been addressed ? 
To the believing Jews of Palestine. 

5. What was the general design of this book ? 

To confirm the Jewish Christians in the faith and 
practice of the gospel. 

6. Against what influence did the writer endeavor to guard 
them? 

Against the persuasion of the unbelieving Jews of 
Judea. 

7. How does the apostle begin this Epistle ? 

He declares to the Hebrews that the same God who 
had before spoken to their fathers by the prophets, had 
now sent his only Son for the purpose of further reveal- 
ing his will. 

8. How does he refer to Christ ? 

He describes in sublime language the divine dignity 
of the person of Christ, and thence infers the duty of 
obeying his commands. 



308 BIBLE GEMS. 

9. What does he further show ? 

He points out the necessity of Christ's incarnation and 
death, and shows his superiority to Moses. 

10. What does he say of the priesthood and the covenant? 

He shows that the Levitical priesthood and the old 
covenant were abolished by the perpetual priesthood of 
Christ, and by the new covenant. 

11. What does he further point out ? 

The insufficiency of the ceremonies and sacrifices of the 
law, and the sufficiency of the atonement made by Christ. 

12. What instructions does the apostle give in the latter part of 
this book ? 

He explains the virtues of faith, and exhorts the He- 
brews to patience in future trials. 

13. How does the writer conclude this Epistle ? 

With his usual benediction, " Grace be with you all. 
Amen." 



JAMES, FIRST AND SECOND PETER. 

LESSON XCIII. 

1. Which is the twentieth book of the New Testament ? 
The General Epistle of James. 

2. Who w T as James ? 

He was the son of Cleophas and Mary, and was called 
James the Less. 

3. Why is this letter called a General Epistle ? 

Because it was not addressed to any particular church 
or person ? 

4. When is it supposed to have been written ? 
About the year 61 or 62. 

5. What was the immediate design of this Epistle ? 

To encourage the Jewish Christians to bear with pa- 
tience any sufferings to which they might be exposed, 



JAMES, FIRST AND SECOND PETER. 309 

and to guard them against error, both in doctrine and 
in practice. 

6. How does James begin this letter ? 

He shows the benefits of trials and afflictions and the 
efficacy of prayer. 

7. What does this book contain? 

A summary of the duties and virtues which are re- 
quired of Christians. 

8. Name the twenty -first book of the New Testament ? 
The First Epistle General of Peter. 

9. When is this Epistle supposed to have been written ? 

In a time of violent persecution, by which the Chris- 
tians were scattered abroad. 

10. What date is usually assigned to it ? 
About the year 64 or 65. 

11. How does Peter commence this Epistle? 

He praises God for his many spiritual blessings. 

12. How may this book be divided ? 
Into four sections. 

13. What does the first contain ? 

An exhortation to faith in view of persecutions. 

14. What does the second include ? 

Exhortations to a holy life in general, and to a faith- 
ful discharge of domestic duties. 

15. What is contained in the third section ? 

These duties are enforced by various examples. 

16. What exhortations are given in the fourth ? 
Directions in regard to the mutual relations of minis- 
ters and people. 

17. Name the twenty-second book of the New Testament ? 
The Second Epistle General of Peter. 

18. When is this Epistle supposed to have been written ? 
At least three or four years after the first. 

19. What see'ms to be a special design of the author of this book ? 
To guard Christians against false teachers and skeptics. 



310 BIBLE GEMS. 



FIKST, SECOND AND THIRD JOHN, AND 

JUDE. 

LESSON XCIV. 

1. Which is the twenty-third book of the New Testament ? 
The First Epistle General of John. 

2. When was this Epistle written ? 
Probably about the year 70. 

3. What seems to be the leading design of the author ? 

To establish Christians in the faith of those things to 
which he was an eye-witness, and to instruct them in the 
duties of religion. 

4. Name the twenty-fourth book of the New Testament. 
The Second Epistle of John. 

5. To whom is this letter addressed ? 

To a woman called the elect lady and her children. 

6. Who is the lady supposed to have been ? 

Some honorable woman distinguished for piety, and 
well known in the churches as a disciple of Christ. 

7. Who is meant by her sister, to which the writer refers ? 
A woman no doubt of like spirit. 

8. What is the substance of this Epistle? 

An exhortation to continual obedience, and an admo- 
nition against deceivers, especially against a new form of 
error, that Christ was a man in appearance only. 

9. Name the twenty-fifth book of the New Testament ? 
The Third Epistle of John. 

10. To whom was this letter addressed ? 

To Gaius, a private person of excellent character. 

11. How does John commence this letter? 

He expresses his affection for Gaius, and commends 
his piety and hospitality. 

12. Of whose unkind treatment does he complain ? 
That of Diotrephes, who was an ambitious man. 



REVELATION. 31 1 

13. To whose good report does John bear special testimony ? 
That of Demetrius. 

14. How does the apostle conclude this Epistle ? 

He sends special salutations to the Christians in the 
Church of Gaius. 

15. When were the last two Epistles of John written ? 
About the same time as his first. 

16. From what place were they written ? 
From Ephesus. 

17. Which is the twenty-sixth book of the New Testament ? 
The General Epistle of Jude. 

18. Who was Jude? 

He was the apostle who was called Lebbeus, the 
brother of James the Less. 

19. What date has been assigned to this book ? 

Many have supposed that it was written about the 
year 65. 

20. For what does this Epistle seem to have been designed? 

To guard believers against prevalent errors, and to 
urge them to constancy in the faith. 

21. For what persons was it written? 
For Christians in general. 



EEVELATION. 

LESSON XCV. 

1. Name the twenty-seventh and last book of the New Testa- 
ment. 

The Revelation of St. John the Divine. 

2. What is this book sometimes called? 

The Apocalypse, from a Greek word which signifies 
Revelation. 



312 BIBLE GEMS. 

3. What is the design of this book ? 

To present the prophetic history of the Church until 
the end of the world. 

4. Which John was the author of this book ? 

John the Evangelist, the author of the Gospel and the 
Epistles. 

5. Why is he here called St. John the Divine ? 

Because to him were more fully revealed the divine 
counsels than to any other prophet under the Christian 
dispensation. 

6. Where was John when he received this Revelation ? 

On the isle of Patmos, whither he had been banished 
for his attachment to Christ. 

7. By whom was John banished to this island ? 
By the Roman emperor, Domitian. 

8. When is this supposed to have occurred ? 
About the year 94. 

9. When is this book supposed to have been written ? 
Shortly before Domitian had been put to death, which 

occurred in the year 96. 

10. What is known of the isle of Patmos ? 

It is in the iEgean Sea, and is now called Patimo ; it 
was used by the Romans as a place of exile for convicts. 

11. Will you describe this island? 

It was desolate and barren, and seldom visited. 



LESSON XCVI. 



1. How does the apostle commence this book? 

With the title and design of the book, and a salutation 
to the seven churches of Asia. 

2. What is the next division ? 

He gives an account of a remarkable vision he had of 
the Lord Jesus appearing to him in glory. 



BEVEL ATION. 313 

3. How does John speak of this vision ? 

"I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and heard 
behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am 
Alpha and Omega, the first and the last." 

4. What did the Lord commission John to do ? 

To write this vision in a book, and send it to the seven 
churches of Asia. 

5. In what cities were these churches? 

Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Phila- 
delphia and Laodicea. 

6. When John turned about, what did he see? 

Seven golden candlesticks ; and in the midst thereof 
one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment 
down to his feet, and girt about with a golden girdle. 

7. How was John affected by the sight ? 
He fell at his feet as dead. 

8. How did this Divine Being encourage him ? 

Laying his right hand upon him, he said, " Fear not ; 
I am the First and the Last : I am He that liveth, and 
was dead ; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. Amen." 

9. What account is next given ? 

John records seven short epistles from Christ himself 
to the seven churches. 

10. What follows? 

A series of prophecies relating to the future of the 
Church and the nations of the earth to the end of the 
world. 
27 



THE BIBLE. 

1. My Bible! 'tis a book divine, 

Where heavenly truth and mercy shine, 
And wisdom speaks in every line, 
And speaks to me. 

2. My Bible ! in this book alone 

I find God's holy will made known ; 
And here his love to man is shown, 
His love to me. 

3. My Bible ! here with joy I trace 
The records of redeeming grace, 
Glad tidings to a sinful race, 

Good news to me. 

4. My Bible ! here it is I read 
How Jesus did for sinners bleed ; 
Oh this was wondrous love indeed! 

Christ bled for me. 

5. My Bible ! oh that I may ne'er 
Consult it but with faith and prayer, 
That I may see my Saviour there, 

Who died for me ! 
314 



COMMENDATION S. 



From J. P. WlCKBRSHAM, LL.D., 
State Superintendent Public Instruction. 
The purpose of the hook, that of introducing more religious instruc- 
tion into our public schools, meets my entire approbation; and the 
hook itself seems unexceptionable, both in regard to the matter it 
contains and the manner in which the subject is presented. The 
author has my best wishes for the success of this laudable undertaking. 

From Rev. T. 8. Johnston, D.D., 
Pastor of St. John's Reformed Church, Lebanon, Pa. 
I take great pleasure in recording my earnest approval of the work. 
The author has expended great care in its production, and shown con- 
siderable skill in framing both questions and answers, so as to bring 
but the leading facts, events, and personages, historical and typical, 
together with such explanations of customs, national traits, and dates 
as are of great importance to every careful student. All sectarian 
interpretations have been avoided, so that none who receive the 
Bible may find cause for offense. A vast amount of sound instruction 
is contained in this work, and it will be popular as a text-book when 
its merits become known. It is unique, there is nothing like it ex- 
tant. It contains much in a condensed form. It is not fragmentary, 
but presents a continuous stream of facts, rising in the fountain, and 
flowing on through the ages. I sincerely trust that the public may 
have an early opportunity to secure the work for general circulation. 

From Prof. W. J. Buiinside, A.M., 

Principal Lebanon High School. 

I have examined the work, ''Bible Grerns," carefully and critical) [//. It 

is a compendium of all the leading historical events and great moral 

truths contained in the Sacred Writings — with a brief account of* the 

different books of the Bible and their inspired authors. In my judg- 

(i) 



2 CO MM END A TIOXS. 

ment the book bears evidence of research and care in its preparation. 
I have noticed nothing that I would desire to see omitted, and very 
little that could be added without swelling the book to undue propor- 
tions. It is entirely free from sectarian or partisan bias. Besides 
its merit as an aid to religious instruction, it contains a large amount 
of useful Biblical information in a very compact form. I think it 
would make a desirable text-book for our public schools. 

From Rev. J. W. Nevin, D.D., 
Prest. Franklin and Marshall College. 
I have examined the work, " Bible Gems," so far as to be able to form 
a general judgment of its object, plan, and merits, and am pleased to 
say that I find it well conceived, happily executed, and every way 
worthy of favor in the highly important branch of educational ser- 
vice to which it is devoted. I shall be glad to hear of its introduction 
extensively into our public schools. 

From Rev. M. Rhodes, 
Pastor of Zion's Lutheran Church, Lebanon, Pa. 
It gives me pleasure to express my hearty approval of the design of 
this work, and of the thorough manner in which it has been executed. 
Designed more particularly for common schools, it supplies a great 
want in our system of education, which all Christian people have felt 
and lamented. It is equally well adapted to the use of Sabbath 
schools. The author has here expended untiring energy and labor, 
and manifested a wisdom in the art of asking and answering ques- 
tions, which I trust will be amply rewarded by the extensive circula- 
tion and the proper appreciation of this most excellent and timely 

work. 

From Rev. Charles H. Mead, 

St. Lukes P. E. Church Rectory, Lebanon, Pa. 
Having for several years been a teacher in public, private, and col- 
legiate schools, and long felt the need of a school manual for Biblical 
instruction, I greet with pleasure the book now prepared to meet that 
need. The more important points of Bible history have been very 
judiciously selected, and enough has been given to keep a connected 
thread of each narrative, without going too much into detail. What is 
more to the point, the author, being an experienced teacher, has made 
a practical book, one well adapted for use in the drill of the recitation 
room. The questions are pointed. Each answer is a direct answer 
to its own question, and is not so vaguely framed as to be au answer 



COMMENDATIONS. 3 

to any one of half a dozen other questions that might be asked — a 
fault too frequent in school-books. I wish the book success in the 
opportunity to accomplish the large amount of good that it is so well 
calculated to do. 

From Rev. J. H. A. Bomberger, D.D., 
Pastor Race St. Reformed Churchy Philadelphia. 
As a book well calculated to promote a familiar knowledge of the 
most important Scripture facts, in their historical connection, and 
especially in their relation to the great work of Redemption, it de- 
serves to be warmly commended. Its general introduction into 
schools and families would be of unspeakable advantage, and most 
desirably complement the ordinary course of education. 

From Rev. Alfred M. Abel, 
Rector St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Lebanon, Pa. 

I have examined with much pleasure the book, " Bible Gems," and 
must say that I think it well adapted for the purpose for which it has 
been designed — that of both instructing and interesting children in 
Biblical history. I think a feature of the work to be, that together 
with the brevity necessary to such a manual, there is a sufficient full- 
ness to keep up the scholar's interest, and give the thread of the story, 
unbroken. I should hope that the use of such a book, while it would 
itself convey a great deal of information, would tempt the learner on, 
to explore for himself the fuller treasures of the sacred volume, to 
which this book gives him some introduction. The well-arranged in- 
troduction of the words of Holy Writ themselves, adds, in my judg- 
ment, greatly to the value and interest of the book. Designed as a 
manual for common schools, in which more distinctive doctrines could 
not be introduced, I think it will accomplish the purpose of the 
author in giving much sound Biblical instruction, as well as could be 
done under the circumstances. I should be very glad to see it adopted 
and used as a text-book in our common schools. 

From Rev. B. W. Schmauk, 
Pastor Salem's Ev. Luth. Church, Lebanon, Pa. 
This work, evidently the result of careful and mature study, is emi- 
nently calculated to store the youthful mind with Biblical knowledge. 
All the facts constituting the historical portions of the Holy Scrip- 
tures are brought out in a manner truly admirable. In point of thor- 
oughness it far excels any similar work used in Sunday-schools. Both 



4 COMMENDATIONS. 

questions and answers adhere closely to the scriptural text, and are 
marked by that simplicity which characterizes the sacred record itself. 
Free from any denominational coloring, all comments on points in- 
volving differences of doctrinal views being scrupulously avoided, the 
work does not come into conflict with the principle upon which the 
public school system in its religious aspect is based. Its general in- 
troduction into our public schools would doubtlessly be hailed with 
the greatest satisfaction by all true friends of religion and education. 

From W. G. Lehman, Esq., 

Supt. Com. Schools of Lebanon Go. 
Having had the pleasure of listening to the reading of a number of 
pages of a manuscript entitled "Bible Gems," and regarding it as a 
work calculated to supply a want generally felt in the school-room 
and family, by inducing a more active interest in Bible reading, I 
take great pleasure in adding mine to the many testimonials of its 
merits already given, by earnestly recommending its publication. 

'We, the undersigned, having examined with great care the book 
entitled "Bible Gems," do hereby fully indorse the sentiments ex- 
pressed above by Dr. Johnston and others as to the merits and utility 
of the work, and most cheerfully recommend it as a book to be used 
not only in the public, but in all other schools in connection with the 
reading of the Bible. 

H. E. Gilroy, S. B. Brown, 

Pastor of the M. E. Church in Pastor of the Evangelical Church 
Lebanon, Pa. at Lebanon. 

Edmund A. Oerter, Ezekiel Light, 

Pastor of Moravian Churchy Presiding Elder, Harrisburg Dis~ 
Lebanon, Pa. trust, U. B. Church. 

G. W. Miles Rigor, Henry H. Gelbach, 

Pastor of the Trinity U. B. Church, Pastor of Salem's U. B. Church, 
Lebanon, Pa. Lebanon, Pa. 

From Henry Houck, Esq., 

Deputy Suj>t. Com. Schools. 
The public school teachers of this State have long felt and expressed 
the need of a text-book that would aid them in imparting moral in- 
struction to their pupils. The " Bible Gem-." prepared by a teacher 
of great experience, will meet this want, exactly. It is as free from 
ianism as the Bible itself, and deserves to be largely circulated. 



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